My interest in engineering was kindled during my high school years, where I studied building surveying in Italy. This introduced me to technical drawing and engineering concepts, and through this I became curious as to how things work.

Questions I wanted to understand the answer to:

• How do aeroplanes fly?
• What makes an engine work?
• How do you build a bridge?

As soon as I finished High School, I decided to take a gap year with the idea of learning a new language. I travelled to London, found work and learnt to speak English, my aim by this time was also to study for a degree in engineering at an English University. I was so excited when I was offered a place at Brighton to study Aeronautical engineering. I see this as the starting point of my future as an engineer.

Engineering will give me a chance to have a career where I can play a part in influencing the future. Engineering is a universal skill which together with my language skills will give me opportunities throughout the World.

Elena Bigini
First Year Student studying Aeronautical Engineering
Brighton University