Five minutes with… Lowri Roberts

August 7, 2019

We got to know Lowri, WP Coordinator at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Lowri is responsible for student ambassadors at the LSE and is actively engaged with our Student Ambassador Forum.

Describe your role in one (okay, a few!) sentences.
I recruit from out wonderful student body to set up and implement a mentoring scheme, a student ambassador scheme and other programmes. The aim is to get the message out to talented young people from under-represented groups that not only do we really want them to consider coming to LSE, but that if they do, we will do all that we can to encourage, inspire and support them at every stage of their academic journey.

I do what I do because…
Having gained so much myself from going to University, I want everybody to have that chance, no matter what their background or circumstances. The most rewarding aspect of my job in Widening Participation is seeing these incredibly bright, curious and lively young people we work with start to realise what potential they have, and what opportunities there are for them here to develop that potential. This couldn’t happen without the vital contribution of our current students who make time in their busy lives to mentor and inspire them. I also love the multi-faceted nature of my work – no two days are the same – and that I get to work with such a wide variety of people across the University.

What song would be the soundtrack to your life and why?

Hello Sunshine by the Super Furry Animals because I like to think I have a positive, sunny attitude and I’m Welsh!

If you could go back and meet your 16-year-old self, facing decisions about your future education/career, what advice would you give?

I would tell her to maybe work just a little bit harder, but I would also tell her not to panic about not having a clue what she wants to do, because she has plenty of time to decide that. Instead, I would encourage her to think about education in a more expansive way than just getting through the next set of exams. I would also encourage her to take every opportunity possible; to travel, to experience new things, to meet new people, to take a few risks, and above all to pursue the things that she enjoys and is passionate about. And I’d tell her to stop worrying – she’s going to be fine!

If you could invite four people – living or deceased – to dinner, who would it be?

Michelle Obama for her warm personality, life experience and sparkling intelligence. Margaret Atwood because I have been a fan of her writing since studying her as an undergraduate. I would definitely try to get a sneak preview of her much-awaited sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, which I’m really looking forward to reading. Phoebe Waller-Bridge because I loved both Fleabag and Killing Eve and I’m sure she’d be hilarious and very good company. Finally, Jess Phillips, Labour MP, for her passion, humour and lack of pretension. If we had more politicians like her, we might not be in this terrible mess.

If you’d like to feature in our next “Five Minutes With…”, please e-mail Tanyel.