Seven questions with...Milla Garrow

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I’m studying History and Politics of the Americas at the Institute of Americas UCL. I’m from Newcastle in England originally but moved to Washington DC when I was eleven years old and lived there for five years. Growing up such a political city in such a tumultuous time gave me an interest in U.S. politics which the Institute fitted perfectly! As I’ve gotten older this has grown into a passion for women’s politics and Latin American studies, which I am now focusing on for my dissertation. Long term, I want to work in women’s charities and NGOs, so next year I’m planning on gaining work experience in this sector and building myself up to do a Masters in Gender and Development in the future!

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

During my time at UCL the most interesting thing I’ve done was help re-affiliate the Institute of Americas Society, which I have been President of for two years. It started as an idea to bring some community back into our department and give students a better chance to get to know each other outside the classroom. Since, it’s grown into a really exciting hub for opportunities and ideas to be put into action, providing a platform for staff and students to promote projects or advocate for events they’re really passionate for. We’ve even begun expanding to work with other societies such as Political Science and UCL’s UN Society, and are currently in the midst of planning the first Institute of Americas End of Year Ball! Although it can be a bit overwhelming at times, I’ve absolutely loved seeing this project come to life and can’t wait to see what it grows into in the years to come! Follow the society on Instagram if you’re interested in finding out more.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

My hidden gems at UCL would have to be MOMO's coffee hut in Gordon Square (right by the Institute!), Italia Uno’s sandwiches about a 10 minute walk away from campus, and Judd Books near Tavistock Square where you can find most books you’d find in Waterstones for about a third of the price. The trip from the Institute to MOMO's to Judd Books is a weekly and very expensive occurrence for me!

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1. Cinemas! I’m a massive film fan and the BFI does £3 Under 25 tickets and shows a bunch of films, from all the new stuff out to series of films from different directors, composers, actors and more. They also have a great cafe with WIFI and chargers, so I can fit a movie and uni into one trip! I also love The Prince Charles, which is being threatened to be shut down soon so please go sign the petition to keep it going if you haven’t already!
2. Going to the Hampstead Heath Ponds is my favourite thing to do as soon when the weather is warmer. If you ever feel like you need to escape the rush of London it’s a great thing to do and get a dose of nature, they do really cheap student tickets as well.
3. Done a good test of the local pubs and I’d say my favourites are Sheephaven Bay near Euston, Tapping the Admiral up in Kentish Town, and of course The Hawley Arms in Camden if you’re looking for some good music and a potential Paul Mescal sighting (true story).

What would you say to prospective students thinking about applying to your degree programme?

I would really encourage those who have an interest in the Americas or learning about a focused region to apply for the degree. As a smaller department there are such great opportunities to get to know your peers and staff, specialise in what you want to do, grab opportunities and have a say! I don’t think I would have been able to achieve the personal and academic development I have done in any other department, nor be able to do a specific dissertation in something I am so passionate about. Once you’re here I’d say take every opportunity you can whilst you’re at UCL and London more generally, it’s such an exciting city that has something for everyone!

Who inspires you and why?

The people that inspire me most are my parents, which is the obvious answer but it’s true. Having moved around a lot growing up we’ve always been there to support each other, and it’s only with their encouragement and enthusiasm in everything I do that I’m here! My mum trained as a children’s nurse and is in the 1% of nurses with a PHD, and my dad’s career has taken us all around the world giving me the opportunities to meet so many people and see so many places I could have never dreamed of otherwise, so I’d say they’re pretty inspirational! Although I am sorry for the daily stress calls they’re getting at the moment and the never ending essays my mum is having to read, cheers guys!

What would it surprise people to know about you?

People are always surprised to find out I’m from Newcastle considering my lack of a Geordie accent if that counts, but I am I promise! I have a massive passion for movies and have managed to write two essays on film and taken a film module during my degree. I also love to run more than anything, and last year I went on a University of London running camp to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco!