Stories with Impact: Leslie Duroe
Through leadership, kindness and a commitment to helping others succeed, horticulture student Leslie Duroe has helped create a stronger sense of community for students across the UHI partnership while making a positive difference beyond the classroom.
For students studying across different campuses and locations, building meaningful connections with peers can sometimes be challenging. While they may share the same passion and course of study, opportunities to meet, learn from one another and feel part of a wider student community can be limited.
Recognising the value of those connections, Leslie Duroe took the initiative to bring people together. Throughout her studies, she has consistently looked for ways to support others, encourage participation and strengthen relationships between students across the UHI partnership.
Leslie's commitment to building a stronger student community first took shape through a group chat for horticulture students across the UHI partnership. What began as a practical way to share information quickly became a valuable space where students could stay connected, exchange knowledge and support one another throughout their studies. Leslie also organised practical work records and shared updates to help ensure learning opportunities remained accessible to everyone, creating a stronger sense of community among students who were often studying many miles apart.
Having created a space for students to connect online, Leslie looked for ways to bring those relationships into the real world. This led to her taking the lead on planning and delivering a cross-partnership "Lunch and Learn" event that brought horticulture students together for a day focused on sharing experiences, learning from one another and building relationships. Students had the opportunity to showcase their work, take part in practical activities and discuss their experiences of studying horticulture, while staff were invited to gain a deeper understanding of the student experience and the impact of horticulture education.
By bringing together students who may otherwise never have met, Leslie helped strengthen a sense of shared identity across the partnership. The connections developed through the event have continued beyond the day itself, creating networks of support for students as they progress into further study and employment.
Despite facing difficult personal circumstances, Leslie has continued to give her time, energy and encouragement to those around her. That resilience, combined with her approachable nature and willingness to help others, has made her a valued source of support for her peers. Whether trying new tasks, taking on unfamiliar challenges or being the first to use machinery during practical sessions, she has helped others develop confidence in their own abilities. This encouragement has helped students feel more connected, more supported and more willing to engage with new experiences. In doing so, she has shown that student leadership can play an important role in shaping a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Her impact also extends beyond the classroom. As a volunteer with the Friends of the Biblical Garden, a community group that supports and cares for the teaching gardens used by students, Leslie has applied her skills to help increase community engagement. Through developing marketing and interpretive materials, she has helped the group communicate its purpose more effectively and attract wider support from the local community.
At UHI Moray, we know that meaningful impact is often created through everyday actions. Through her leadership, support and commitment to those around her, Leslie Duroe has helped build a stronger, more connected student community. Her story reminds us that when one person chooses to create opportunities for others, the impact can be felt in the connections formed, the confidence gained and the sense of belonging that continues long after the moment itself.