All opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Edinburgh.
Lena Bheeroo (Nationalism Studies, 2008) and Rodney Waters (Applied Sports Science, 2009) met when they were teenagers at school and eventually found themselves at the University of Edinburgh together. We took to Zoom to speak with them about the foundations of their strong relationship and how, despite taking different paths since graduation, they remain the closest of friends.
How did you meet?
Lena: I remember sitting at the back of the Chemistry labs in school, and I saw Rodney and another of our friends messing about. I thought they were quite annoying, really, as I was trying to finish my Science project and they were distracting me!
Rodney: I guess we bonded there and then through laughter, but initially I think Lena would tell you I was a tad annoying as a teenager!
When did you realise you'd found a friend for life?
Rodney: I think when a friend shows up and is present throughout the many ups and downs, those transitional phases that life throws at you, that’s when you know you’ve found a true life-long soul mate. That’s Lena.
Lena: Rodney has always been a constant in my life. By the time we went to Edinburgh, we had known each other for 6 or 7 years. At every important moment in my life - birthdays, funerals, the good times and the bad times - I can always remember Rodney being there. The biggest milestones in our lives have been shared with each other.
Did you always intend to go to the University of Edinburgh together?
Lena: No, it was interesting actually, I had wanted to go to Edinburgh for my undergrad. There was something about Scotland that I loved, perhaps because it reminded me a bit of home in Wales. I told Rodney that it was a lovely place and he should consider it - and then I think he went to visit and liked what he saw!
I ended up initially going to the University of Leicester for my undergrad in History and Politics, and Rodney went to do Sport Science at Edinburgh. But when it came to my post-grad, I applied to Edinburgh and got in, but they told me with only a couple of weeks to go before the term started. Luckily, I’d told Rodney that I was thinking of Edinburgh, and so when he looked for a flat with his friends that year, he made sure to have a room for me, and it all worked out! It always seemed like fate that we’d both end up there, just by different paths.
Rodney: We lived together for the next two years before she moved to London, and I left Edinburgh to pursue teaching in Manchester.
Do you come as a pair?
Rodney: I think our journey as friends, and the pathway we embarked on after school at university, all happened as it was meant to be. As much as we would do things together as a pair, Lena had her friends and I had mine and we all got on - we’re both very sociable and easy going.
What's your favourite memory of being together at Edinburgh?
Rodney: Oh there are so many memories! Probably one of my favourite memories was when Lena was visiting in second year and I’d left an essay way too last minute, even for my liking. It was getting in the way of all the fun, and our friend Jeff was on his way up to stay too (he had sent a cardboard cut out of himself prior to his arrival so he didn’t miss out on the shenanigans till he got there!). Consumed with copious amounts of coffee, and The Simpsons on in the background, Lena took over typing as I was too slow, apparently! I remember running across to Moray House the next morning to hand it in - slightly delirious!
Lena: That's a memory of being so deprived of sleep! Mostly, I remember the trips to our favourite coffee places, having peanut butter and jam on toast in the morning, walks up the Royal Mile, and going to Chocolate Soup when it was still there.
What do you admire most about each other?
Rodney: Her integrity, resilience and her kindness and generosity. Lena means ‘light’ and she shines wherever she goes.
Lena: I admire lots of things about Rodney, perhaps mostly his ease as he glides through life. He makes friends easily wherever he goes, and laughs a lot! So his ability to be laid-back and his positivity!
You have gone on to different professions, but do you feel that your chosen career paths complement each other?
Lena: Yes, I think so. I work in international development in the charity sector, and Rodney works in early years education. Both of our paths have taken us to these professions, and they were not what we had aimed for, but nevertheless we both enjoy them and are really good at them! I work across anti-racism and decolonisation, and Rodney champions diversity, equality and inclusion with young children, which I think is brilliant.
Education is so important - to have an understanding of what difference means and what that means for how you treat each other and think about each other is crucial, and especially starting that at a young age before ideas get ingrained in you from wider society. We both have lived experience in what we champion, and I have no doubt that Rodney is having a profound impact on the young children he teaches in supporting openness and understanding.
Rodney: We both stand for equality and unity and are passionate about that in our different professions and in our lives. Lena works tirelessly to educate and dismantle institutional racism, particularly in the International Development sector, but its impact radiates into all aspects of society. That is why it is so important to me as an early years educator, that equality and diversity are celebrated in all its forms from an early age. We both value the importance of educating and empowering others,which will hopefully go on to facilitate positive changes in society.
And how do you continue to support each other in your day-to-day lives?
Lena: In such a big way! Rodney is a cheerleader for me, and I am for him! I would highly recommend everyone have one! It does wonders for the belief in yourself. Rodney and I text or message nearly every day, and we support each other when going for jobs, or with whatever might be happening in our lives or with family. I always know I can ask for advice and get support from Rodney, which is such an important part of life, I think.
Rodney: Even when we are busy with our day to day lives, I know Lena is there at the other end of the phone. Quite frequently one of us will be thinking about the other and then we’ll synchronistically get in touch. Working throughout the pandemic she was a great support to me, we both regularly reassure each other that ‘you’ve got this!’. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a friend like Lena in my life.
And what's still to come on your friendship bucket-list?
Rodney: We grew up in the same part of North Wales, so we catch up regularly when we are at home with family. Prior to the pandemic we would plan Europe trips in the summer and they’d usually be spa related, so I'm looking forward to starting that back up again! We are currently organising a long overdue Edinburgh trip. As far as bucket list things to do, we are planning to start a podcast together, incorporating our years of friendship, different life experiences and perspectives on life, and generally us having a good blether!
Lena: Yes I am planning a trip up to Edinburgh as it’s been years since I've been back and I like to see how much it’s changed since I lived there. I think our friendship bucket list has more European holidays or holidays in general together, and lots more laughter and making memories! I feel like there is a lot more to come.
Photos courtesy of Lena and Rod.
All opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Edinburgh.