Zoe Ann Diamond

BA Drama

What has been the highlight of your time at Exeter?

I have loved my time at Exeter and the University will always hold a special place in my heart. The entire experience has been incredible, with so many amazing moments it is hard to choose which ones to highlight. Exeter has offered me the opportunity to explore many of my passions. From nurturing and developing my love of theatre and performance through the incredible Drama course offered here, to the phenomenal theatre societies that continue to surprise me with their warmth, creativity and flair. One of my most significant highlights was working with Footlights Musical Theatre Society to stage manage their professional level shows at the Exeter Northcott, an experience which has played a significant part in shaping my future. The other most important highlight of my time at Exeter has been the opportunity to develop my love for sport. Having played for the university’s Ultimate Frisbee team – Uriel for the past two years; I have had the opportunity to represent Exeter at three national BUCS tournaments and be part of an amazing club which will always be one of my biggest highlights as part of my university experience. Bleed Green.

What will you miss the most about University?

There are many things I will miss about being at Exeter; the friendly atmosphere and amazing facilities to name a few. What I will miss most is that feeling of belonging and community that comes with being part of Exeter. Whether this be from the support given by tutors and lectures throughout my course, going above and beyond to help wherever they could; or the incredible community I have found through Ultimate Frisbee. The people I have met have truly made University, and whilst I hope to stay in contact with as many of them as possible, they will be what I miss the most.

What did you enjoy about your particular programme?

The Drama programme at Exeter has always been exceptional, with incredible teachers, facilities and diverse student body, the course has constantly surprised and challenged me throughout my three years. What I have enjoyed most about my course has been the opportunity for me to develop my own voice as a performer as well as a director and creator. The course has allowed me the opportunity to develop my passion for dance and physical theatre whilst pushing me in new directions of theatre, giving opportunities for self- expression and artistic development. The course has also given me great experience in team work and leadership, working on projects and performances with a great variety of students.

What advice would you give to current and future students?

Try everything, even if you’re ninety percent sure you will hate it and won’t be good at it, try it. Whilst at university you will constantly surprise yourself, both in good and bad ways, learning from your mistakes and striving to push yourself harder then you ever realised you could. Join societies and sports clubs, get involved as much as you can, your studying is important but your university experience is about more than just receiving your degree. You will have the chance to grow as a person, and meet amazing people along the way. Enjoy every moment and try everything that comes your way.

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I will be heading off to the snowy French Alps resort of Méribel, part of the world’s biggest ski area in the Three Valleys, where I will be running a fourteen person chalet alongside my best friend, a fellow Exeter graduate. I’ll be cooking three course meals whilst hitting the slopes and working on my snowboard park skills. Once returning home in May, I will be working towards my more long term career goals, looking into working in TV production or events management. I hope to put my team and leadership skills to the test, whilst still having an opportunity to be creative and build on the experiences that I have gained from Exeter.