Say hello to your GCU Student Life team - Derry Wyllie
You’ve seen the social media posts and read the articles, but now it’s your chance to meet the team behind GCU Student Life.
Next up: Derry Wyllie.
What’s your job role?
Student Communications Assistant.
Most of the posts you see on the GCU Student Life social media accounts are posted by me, so I spend a lot of time taking photos and editing videos for social!
What’s your favourite thing about working at GCU?
I only joined the team in June 2022, so I’m still getting to know a lot about GCU, but I think the best part of my job is the people- both students and colleagues! It’s one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever had in a job and I love meeting new people.
What did you study at uni?
I studied English Literature at undergrad at University of Glasgow, and I only recently finished my masters in Media, Communications and International Journalism, also at UofG. I started this role while doing my masters dissertation, so was a bit of a hectic summer!
Where else have you worked?
I worked as a Team Leader at the SEC for 5 years, it was a great job to do as a student as I met some amazing people and have seen far too many gigs to count! I also recently left a part time job at University of Glasgow to join the team at GCU.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I love to read, having studied English Lit at uni I fell out of love with reading for a few years because I couldn’t read a book just to enjoy it, I was always scouring the pages for themes which sucked the joy out of it. However, since graduating in 2019 I have rediscovered my love for it. I’ll read anything but I definitely have a soft spot for 20th Century American Literature.
I’m also terrified of bananas, I wish I had an explanation for this but something about them just gives me the creeps.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love board games and puzzles, my flatmate is much better than me at Scrabble though and it’s a tough reality to face at home. I also get far too competitive playing Uno, my family take it very seriously.
If you were a drink what would you be?
Probably an Aperol spritz, I think I drink enough of them to justify this answer. My happy place is sitting outside in the sunshine with some friends and an Aperol in hand- a rare occasion in Glasgow however!
If you could choose any language to be fluent in what would it be and why?
I think it would be French, I’ve spent a lot of time in France and it’s a very special place to me for many reasons. I’d like to live there one day, or a French-speaking part of Canada. I know enough French to get by (as in, I can order a croissant or Aperol spritz), but there’s always room for improvement.
What is something you’re really interested in?
I absolutely love Formula 1, I typically plan my Sundays around whether or not there’s a race on. I’ve never been to a Grand Prix however, that’s on the bucket list though- keeping my fingers crossed for 2022.
I also love travelling, I spend far too much time on Skyscanner searching for cheap flights to new cities. This year I went on a solo trip to Budapest and Paris, both places I’d visited before but being there by myself was a new experience entirely. Definitely one of the best holidays I’ve ever had!
This or that…
Music or podcast?
It depends really, I love listening to a podcast when I’m out walking but I am partial to singing my heart out in the car. If you see me in my car singing my heart out to All Too Well (10 minute version)- mind your business!
Poppadoms or bread ?
As Oprah once said: I LOVE bread. Poppadoms make a great snack, especially with spicy onions but nothing beats a good bit of sourdough dipped in oil and balsamic.
Still or sparkling water?
Don’t hate me for this, but it has to be sparkling! I’m not a fan of bottled still water, and I drink tap water like a fish, but sparkling water is a nice treat- I love it.
Staying in or going out?
Pre-lockdown I would have said going out, but I think those days are behind me now. I still love a night out with friends, but I’m a huge fan of staying in nowadays. I try and strike a good balance between the two, but if it’s up to me it’s a movie and nice dinner or a takeaway in the flat.
City break or beach holiday?
This is a difficult one, I love nothing more than sitting on the beach or by the pool reading a book, but I love exploring new cities and visiting museums. I’d have to go with city break, we’re so lucky to live in Europe and have so many amazing cities just a couple hours flight away.
Apple or Android?
Apple, don’t even start me on Android.
Cheeseboard or sweet treat?
I am a big fan of a sticky toffee pudding, but cheeseboards have my heart.