Karandeep Garcha

I'm a rather late graduate of UCL at the grand old age of 23, where I read the BA German course for four years, with a year abroad in Berlin.

My pocket money comes from teaching children how to swim. Swimming is a big hobby of mine, and I've been teaching for six years at various pools in Bedford and London.

Over the summer, I was involved in the UCL/Imperial/YouGov StartUp Summer entrepreneurship scheme, and www.seedsforstudents.com is the brainchild of that venture. Our business is aimed at students to help them grow their own plants from D.I.Y. kits, and we hope to raise awareness of leading sustainable lives by growing your own food.

I have an interest in foreign affairs and politics, which is why I am in the process of applying to the Foreign Office through the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme. I also stood for election as a candidate in the Putnoe ward of Bedford Borough as a local councillor in 2007, albeit unsuccessfully, but the process of being part of local elections was certainly colourful.

The Transition Town movement will form the basis of our social action campaign, where the aim is to make Bedford a happier, greener and more sustainable place to live, with a particular focus on transport issues (and guerrilla gardening!)

I wouldn't name one person in particular who inspires me, but those who have pioneering attributes such as passion and determination, and work tirelessly to achieve their goals, make a huge impression on me and influence what I aspire to be.