Paddy, who is from Dunloy, Co. Antrim, took a gap year before starting University but broke his leg and took another year to recover. Now graduating from Queen’s, Paddy says he is beginning his new chapter in life with a “fire to change the world”.

During his time at Queen’s, Paddy was a dedicated volunteer on the IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) programme. He was Captain of Queen’s Men’s Rowing Club as well as co-founder and Vice-President of Queen’s Foodies and Treasurer of Engineers Without Borders Belfast.

As well as leaving university with a degree, Paddy says he is leaving with a new perspective on life. He says: “After my time at Queen’s, I can now confidently say I know what is important to me and that is working with others to do small things that can help in big ways.

“Being a volunteer for IAESTE has been extremely rewarding. It’s amazing when you pick up an international student at the airport on a rainy day and something as simple as a smile, a cup of tea and toasted wheaten can really turn their day around and put them at ease in a strange country. A kind word or gesture can really make all the difference to someone’s day.”

Paddy adds: “I'm very fortunate to be where I am and have such a strong support network. I put a lot of this down to my experience at Queen’s and the opportunities that it has given me, as well as the people I have met along the way.

“Just after lockdown I joined a new group called Sunrise Social North Coast. It’s a great initiative organised by Queen’s graduate Chloe Mullan. The whole iniative was started to improve mental health by socialising in a socially distanced manner to watch the sunrise in different locations.

“It's really great for helping meet new people and blowing the cobwebs from your social skills after a year in lock down - sure what else would you be doing at 4.30am! It shows the impact you can have when you put yourself out there and connect with like-minded individuals.”

Paddy is currently working as a paddle sports instructor at Ballintoy Harbour but is beginning a new role as a Manufacturing graduate for WuXi Vaccines in Dundalk in September.

He says: “Chemical engineering has pushed me to grow in every way possible and has prepared me for going out and having a positive impact in society. I’m looking forward to getting started in my new role.”

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