Join us in a candid conversation with Dr Maria Garcia-Alonso (Lecturer and Director of UG Studies) as we learn about her journey to Kent, her dedication to connecting with students, and her commitment to fostering understanding through economics.
What’s your favourite part about teaching/interacting with students?
Getting to know their hopes and motivations, helping them if I can, learning from them as well, we are very lucky to attract very nice students at Kent.
What’s your favourite thing about the course you teach?
Its relevance to social interaction and potential to improve our ability to deal with and understand conflict.
What’s your favourite lecture and why?
International Trade as it shows many things which bring people across the world together.
What’s your favourite book at the moment?
Bullsh*t Jobs by David Graeber.
What do you listen to on your commute?
I am lucky to live in central Canterbury, in my short walk to uni I enjoy listening to the sounds of people and nature and the view of our beautiful cathedral on the way down home, and if I am lucky rabbits and foxes along the way whilst the sun sets.
What tips can you give to freshers when they are first starting University?
Invest in making friends, look after those around you. Talk to people, in real life…
What are your tips for staying on top of your studies at University?
Attend every teaching event on your time table. It will create a routine around which you can build subject knowledge. Lecture recordings are a complement never a substitute to the real life one!
What tips can you give for preparing for Exams at Uni? Any revision tips?
Good revision notes that you understand deeply are very important – discuss them with friends, ask lecturers about any doubts, on campus exams prepare you for job interview setting and make your degree more competitive – try to learn to love them!
What advice would you give your past self when you were first starting University and would you do anything differently?
“I think I did my best, we all do and should be proud of who we are.”