Jack’s story
I feel very fortunate to have had such a diverse range of experiences and communities throughout my time at Â鶹ӳ».” Jack cooper
Liberal Arts BA student
Forest Garden Society Co-President
“I grew up in Burgess Hill, so Â鶹ӳ» was close to home, but far enough away to give me the space to be independent. Living in Brighton has helped me discover so many amazing people, projects and places − from Afrori Bookshop to Brighton Permaculture Trust, Class Divide to Future Roots. I’ve also made connections through hobbies such as wrestling, capoeira and friendly football alongside my studies.
At first, I didn’t find a society at Â鶹ӳ» that quite fit my interests, so I created one! I’m now Co-President of the Forest Garden Society, and we take care of the incredible forest garden behind Northfield on campus. We also organise socials, art-based sessions, a radio show and our Forest Garden Festival. The Forest Food Garden modules I took as electives in my second year were key to finding my tribe at university and co-running the Society with my friends has been such a joy.
Before university, I was engaged in radical climate activism. I was inspired by the Climate Majority Project to act on climate and community in my postcode area. With my family’s help, I hosted events and formed a group chat, postcode book club and energy group. Since coming to Â鶹ӳ», others have been inspired by my model to form their own postcode communities across Brighton and Worthing.
I call this Postcode Revolution and I believe it’s the future on your doorstep. Together, we can adapt to safer ways of living with climate breakdown, and transform our neighbourhoods through community, nature and low-energy living. Working in partnership with the Climate Majority Project, it’s been fantastic to study and develop Postcode Revolution as the final year project of my Liberal Arts degree.
I feel very fortunate to have had such a diverse range of experiences and communities throughout my time at Â鶹ӳ». University is truly what you make of it!”