Quickfire Questions: Constanza Alpini Villalba

After researching the University, Warwick seemed like a place Constanza could call home – and she still does.

Why did you choose Warwick?

To be quite honest, it started as just an option among others. As I assume it is for many others. So, I did my research, dug deep into the Education Department and the Psychology and Education MA and fell in love with the possible electives. I would research videos with my mum and picture myself living there, walking those halls, and strolling through the green spaces. It seemed quiet enough, lively, comfortable. But more than that, it seemed like a place I would be proud of calling my home. And it was. It still is.

What are you doing now?

High school's Social Studies Coordinator and Primary School's Pedagogical Department Assistant.

What motivates you to do what you do? 

People. Knowing that I can interact with people every day and have meaningful conversations that can lead to amazing results that will resonate with the youth from our school is just something that I always wanted to do. Also, feeling useful, honoured that the teachers in my department or my supervisors can count on me, and me actually being able to help them is something that gives me great joy.

How has your time at Warwick influenced what you do now? 

I broke out of my shell at Warwick. I was never the kid who raised her hand to ask questions or add something meaningful to the class. Still, as I grew up, I figured out I liked helping people and being useful, but one does not get rid of shyness as easily as one would a coat in the middle of summer. At Warwick, I realised I didn't need to wear that coat anymore, I was in a new country, starting a new life. No one knew me, no one could judge me but me. I wanted to get to know myself again, know who I always was. And finally, I could burst out of my shell. And yes, I did that on my own, but Warwick surely became the starting point and the number one supporter.

Favourite memory? 

Oh, I have so many! My first day where we met all the other students and were already making friends. When me and my friends got lost in the Engineering building of all places! All the lunches that turned into deep talks, or long solo study sessions that became perfect opportunities to reflect and for the first time be proud of the things I was doing. And all the learning, oh how I loved to learn something new every day! Don't get me wrong, I'm not ready for another dissertation, but wow, do I miss lectures. But I guess my favourite memories have to be when Sally asked me to be the chair of the SSLC, and it might be a little self-centred, but I was so proud of myself that others saw my potential even before I did and asked me to be part of something that brings so many students together. What brought her to ask? I have no idea, but it was the start of something sparking inside me, helping me find my footing and my future occupation. Then the other would be my last day as chair of the SSLC, where the other representatives of the different MAs of the department thanked me for the things I did. Which, isn't that crazy? All I ever did was because of them, because they helped me do my job, and helped carry the torch with me. I was so proud of all of them, and so thankful. . Those were the moments I felt seen.

Best thing about the Warwick community?

I believe that the best thing will be different for each person. For me, it was feeling supported. Not only by my peers, friends old and new, but also by the staff, the professors, and alumni. Warwick created such a safe environment for me in a time when I needed that support the most. The University helped me shape my individuality, while also being part of a group of people who were going through the same things I was.

Favourite place on campus?

A very specific chair overlooking the campus on the postgrad hub. The perfect amount of sunshine, perfect for people watching, and comfortable for studying without breaking your back. And the wisteria vines, I'm a romantic after all.

Constanza Alpini Villalba

MA Psychology and Education, 2025