Graduating during lockdown (2)

James Bennett

Introduce yourself. What and where have you been studying for the past few years? What else made up student life for you?

Hi, I’m James Bennett and have been studying Systems Engineering at Warwick University for the past 4 years. During these years I’ve been grateful to be a part of Myton Church so let me use this as a thank you to you all! Besides my studies, it has been great to be involved with the Christian Union and enjoying other things like attending Design Jams (a weekly engineering event to eat food and socialise whilst designing and making stuff), walking in the mountains with the Warwick Mountains club and spending time with friends.

What was it like for your University to go into lockdown? How has it impacted your finals and graduation?

Our term finished on 13th March and whilst I was definitely washing my hands more, we were fortunate in many senses that our term wasn’t disrupted very much. I was heading home to Herefordshire for the Easter break and it wasn’t long before the university was locked down, we knew all exams and teaching in term 3 would be online and graduation postponed. It was hard to focus on studying for my finals not knowing what they would look like and coronavirus itself providing a big distraction.

Tell us one encouragement you’ve experienced in this period

From my desk in my bedroom I’m able to enjoy a great view of a lovely landscape. As the days, weeks and months rolled on, seeing nature do its thing served a great encouragement to remind me that God is still in control; not only in control of the plants but of all creation, including me and the uncertainty that I faced.

Any funny moments you are willing to share?

Jackie asked if there was a funny moment I was willing to share. She did well to get me to write about myself but sharing something embarrassing is too much to ask! During lockdown, some entertainment was provided by our lecturer’s children who decided to join in with our online lecture!

Give us something we can pray for you.

I completed my last piece of work for my degree mid-June, have packed up my university accommodation and waiting for the result at the end of this month. I had applied for a job as lockdown was coming which inevitably was put on hold so currently have no plans in place for the future. If you were to pray for me, it would be that during this period with the luxury of a bit more time of my hands that I’d use it to continue growing in love for God and that, as I look to start a career, God would guide me and make known his plans for where he next wants to place me.