Just being in a room full of interesting people with all sorts of insights and experiences to share was exciting.

All this to say, I was excited. However, upon arriving in London, I was nervous—realising I would probably be the youngest person in the room (by far!) and the least experienced. What was I supposed to do? Just TALK TO PEOPLE (as if it's that easy)?

I was already off to a flying start. I took a good look at my name tag. I looked at the region, and it said Wiltshire! I’ve never been to Wiltshire. I don't think I could find it on a map. Before I knew it, I heard a confident voice say, “Hi, Aaron—is [insert name here] still in charge at Wiltshire?” I then had the pleasure of telling the funny story that I had no clue (well, I hope someone finds it funny), because at the time, I was sweating bullets. Luckily, Alison and Noreen were with me, and I would meet whoever they met—but that felt like the easy way out.

Then we got into the actual Q&A with a panel of Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP; The Rt Hon. Lord Deben; Rachel Solomon Williams; and Joanna Lewis, all sharing various insights from their esteemed backgrounds. I was sitting there with stars in my eyes, hanging on to every word. But I still had one problem: NETWORKING. There was only one way to do it—at least one way I could think of—ASK A QUESTION! It was a Q&A, after all, so I would do just that. I needed to think of a question so interesting that people would come to me—and just like that, I’d be networking. So I sat and pondered on such a question.

My hand shot up, and I was excited to actually contribute. Did I mention this was being filmed? So yeah, I was still nervous but as ready as I’d ever be. I asked, “Is there a multi-generational approach to climate change?” Ooooh, controversial, I thought, but I was immediately impressed with Ms Lucas’s honesty in saying no. It could not be overstated—where else would you get honesty from a politician? But there’s still hope: policies are beginning to look at the effects on future generations. Lord Deben reminded me that despite intergenerational frustration, there are members of the older generation who are part of the rebel alliance fighting climate change. Power comes from voting; that is how we continue to influence change.

Just like that, it worked! I was networking—liaising, even. I was meeting people from all around the country. Suddenly, the room was no longer intimidating but full of intrigue, fun, conversation—and a familiar face. I cut the introductions short with, “We’ve met. You taught me breeding and genetics,” followed by a big “Ooooh yeeaaaah.” I could immediately tell I was remembered, but it felt like a lifetime had passed since college. The first order of business was to thank Arran for recommending Nottingham Trent, because it was definitely the right choice. I noticed something interesting: he no longer felt so much older—instead, we were just two adults catching up. (I should mention that Arran’s actually in his twenties, and there was never a terrible age gap).

So yeah, after that, I was energised. I got this in my stride, right? Nope! The final boss appears. Alison says, “Look, it’s Liz Bonnin!” Why was this so shocking, you ask? Maybe a week before, my lecturer and I had emailed about her new documentary, Wild Caribbean, and how I planned to watch it. Then—boom! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Allison said, “You’ve got to get a picture,” and I did.

I approached her and said, “Hi, Ms. Bonnin” (keeping it formal), and she said, “Call me Liz.” I was blushing from that point onwards. Then the conversation flowed—with Liz Bonnin, THE Liz Bonnin—taking an interest in what I was doing, my plans, and my aspirations. I told her I was a zoology student on my placement and that I’d love to work in ecology and science communication, mentioning that I was on my way to the British Ecological Society conference the next day. Timely, I know! Liz said I was on the right track, that I was “kicking butt,” and that if I needed any help, I should reach out.

After that, I continued to network—meeting people from the London Wildlife Trust and finding out they had a young people’s group too. How cool would it be for all of us to meet?

I ended up being one of the last people to leave! I entered nervous and left feeling confident and a bit more like a professional. I felt satisfied knowing I had made my mark on this event. And what became of my connections, you ask? That’s a story for another blog.