Pietro Scardigli (Class of 2020)
Pursuing Global Law at Tilburg University, Netherlands
Hi Pietro! Can you share with us your experiences at university so far?
I think I can speak for many first-year university students around the world when I say we did not expect it to be like this. Personally, I have yet to attend a lecture in person and have had to adapt to university learning online. The professors have helped me in this process, making sure that every question and qualm is answered. Although the lack of socialisation with my peers in person has been tough, I have managed to really enjoy my first 7 months of my bachelor’s degree.
The professors expect you to be attentive to detail, to be able to manage your time effectively and to always give your best both in class and for your assignments. I’ve already had two exam periods throughout these first seven months, and while stressful (much like any exam season), the professors make sure you have access to everything you need in order to succeed. In a rapidly globalising community, the course’s focus on many different legal systems and having professors from many different legal backgrounds is something I undoubtedly believe will help in my future. I definitely don’t regret my choice to read Law!
How did GIS prepare you for University life?
The level of depth of any course at university is quite astounding, which is something I’m really grateful that GIS prepared us for, through the rigour of our A-Level programme. All of my teachers constantly told me how a university degree is challenging and that you really need to like your programme in order to succeed with your degree. Furthermore, the teachers at GIS always pushed me, and the rest of my peers, to achieve our best, which teaches you the importance of a strong work ethic. Learning to manage project and work deadlines by yourself, especially in a time when you have no classes in person, and when your sense of time is really muddled, becomes the most important skill you can possibly have. I am extremely thankful that GIS strived to teach us these skills!
Would you like to thank anyone for your journey at GIS?
Among all the people who had an impact on me, the main person has to be my mum. She never once has given up on me, and always pushed me to be a better version of myself. Her selflessness, always putting my siblings and me above anything, makes me aim to make her proud.
Mrs Prior (Helen) was the first English teacher that I had who really made me enjoy the subject. Before being taught by her, I was determined to study Seismology, and I really did not enjoy writing about anything. She helped me through some tough times, and completely changed the way I tackled my education.
Mr Viñales helped me understand the importance of knowing multiple languages, and developed my passion, not only for Spanish, but for understanding other cultures through language, something which is incredibly important in an international environment.
However, all my teachers have helped me grow into the person I am today, and I am eternally grateful for all of them. Obviously, I’d also love to thank all my friends for always being there for me, and making school so enjoyable. They are the reason I will always look back on my days at GIS so fondly.
What would be your advice to the current GIS students who may want to follow in your footsteps?
To the GIS students who are thinking of applying to the Netherlands, my advice is to do it! The courses available are plentiful, and more are being offered in English every year. The universities are among the best in the world, offering challenging programmes which help you tremendously in your professional future. In fact, many alumni from my particular faculty are working in some of the best law firms in the world following their degree. They might not be London Universities or Oxbridge, but Dutch universities are growing in popularity worldwide for a reason. The international community in the Netherlands is huge, and is constantly growing, which makes fitting in and not feeling homesick a breeze. I’d love to see and meet some fellow GIS alumni in the Netherlands in the next few years!
A huge ‘Thank You’ to Alumni Pietro Scardigli for sharing his experiences both at GIS and beyond with us. It has been great to reconnect with you, and we wish you all the best in your endeavours.
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