Personal Interests & Hobbies

Beyond my research and professional work, I’m passionate about several activities that have shaped my leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and personal growth. These interests reflect my commitment to community, historical preservation, and active lifestyle.

πŸ₯ Church Music Ministry

I serve as a drummer in my church band, contributing to weekly worship services and special events. This role has taught me:

  • Musical Collaboration: Working closely with vocalists, guitarists, and other musicians to create cohesive worship experiences

  • Consistency & Reliability: Regular practice and commitment to Sunday services and rehearsals

  • Performance Under Pressure: Maintaining timing and energy during live performances for congregation of 200+ people

  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in acoustic and electronic drum kits, understanding of sound systems and stage setup

βš”οΈ Living History - Historia Normannis

I’m an active member of the Historia Normannis living history group, where I hold the position of Group Bailiff. This medieval reenactment group focuses on Norman history and culture, and my responsibilities include:

Leadership & Safety

  • Training Coordinator: Developing and delivering safety training programs for combat activities

  • Session Management: Organizing and leading training sessions for weapon handling, combat techniques, and historical accuracy

  • Risk Assessment: Ensuring all activities meet safety standards and comply with insurance requirements

  • Equipment Inspection: Regular checking of armor, weapons, and protective gear for safety compliance

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Group Bailiff: Serving as the primary mediator for interpersonal conflicts and group disputes

  • Member Relations: Facilitating communication between group members and resolving any issues that arise

  • New Member Integration: Welcoming and training new members in group protocols and historical accuracy

  • Event Coordination: Assisting with organization of public displays and educational events

Craft & Historical Skills

  • Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring members have appropriate and historically accurate kit

  • Historical Research: Studying Norman period clothing, weapons, and customs for authenticity

  • Practical Crafts: Basic metalwork, leatherwork, and textile skills for equipment maintenance and creation

  • Public Education: Presenting historical information to the public at events and demonstrations

This role has significantly developed my leadership, conflict resolution, and organizational skills while pursuing my passion for medieval history.

🎯 Airsoft Team Leadership - Lancaster University

During my time at Lancaster University, I founded and led the Lancaster University Airsoft Team (LUAT). This experience provided valuable leadership and event management skills:

Team Management

  • Team Building: Recruited and organized a team of 15+ active members

  • Training Programs: Developed tactical training sessions and skill-building exercises

  • Equipment Management: Coordinated team equipment purchases and maintenance

  • Safety Protocols: Established and enforced comprehensive safety procedures

Event Organization

  • Game Day Coordination: Organized regular game days and training events

  • Venue Management: Liaised with airsoft sites and facilities for bookings and logistics

  • Inter-University Competition: Arranged matches with other university teams

  • Budget Management: Handled team finances, equipment purchases, and event costs

Skills Developed

  • Strategic Planning: Developing tactics and strategies for team-based scenarios

  • Communication: Clear briefings and coordination during high-pressure situations

  • Problem Solving: Quick decision-making in dynamic, competitive environments

  • Team Leadership: Motivating and coordinating diverse group members

🀿 Underwater Hockey

My newest sporting passion is underwater hockey (also known as Octopush), a fast-paced underwater sport that combines swimming, breath-holding, and tactical gameplay.

Sport Overview

Underwater hockey is played in a swimming pool where two teams compete to maneuver a puck across the bottom of the pool into the opposing team’s goal using short sticks.

Skills & Benefits

  • Cardiovascular Fitness: Intense aerobic and anaerobic conditioning

  • Breath Control: Advanced breath-holding techniques and underwater endurance

  • 3D Tactical Thinking: Unique spatial awareness required for underwater gameplay

  • Team Coordination: Communication and positioning with teammates in challenging environment

  • Mental Resilience: Staying calm and focused while breath-holding and competing

Training & Competition

  • Regular training sessions focusing on technique, fitness, and game strategy

  • Learning advanced swimming techniques specific to underwater maneuvering

  • Developing tactical understanding of positioning and team play

  • Building towards competitive play in regional tournaments

Personal Development Through Hobbies

These diverse interests have contributed significantly to my personal and professional development:

Leadership Skills

  • Managing teams and resolving conflicts (Historia Normannis Bailiff role)

  • Organizing events and coordinating logistics (LUAT game days)

  • Training others and ensuring safety standards (combat training)

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

  • Public speaking and education (living history demonstrations)

  • Conflict resolution and mediation (group management)

  • Musical collaboration and performance (church band)

Adaptability & Learning

  • Mastering diverse skill sets from historical crafts to modern sports

  • Adapting to different environments and challenges

  • Continuous learning and skill development

Physical & Mental Wellness

  • Maintaining physical fitness through diverse activities

  • Stress management through creative and competitive outlets

  • Building mental resilience through challenging pursuits

These hobbies reflect my commitment to continuous learning, community involvement, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They’ve provided invaluable experiences in leadership, teamwork, and personal growth that complement my academic and professional pursuits.