Anna Bliss

A First-Class Social Anthropology graduate with a unique blend of rigorous qualitative research skills and hands-on community experience. Whether interviewing participants for field research, managing fast-paced hospitality environments, or working in childcare, my approach is always anchored in deep empathy, active listening, and strong ethical judgment. Calm under pressure and certified in crisis intervention and first aid, I am looking to bring my background in cross-cultural communication and human-centred analysis to a collaborative, impact-led role.

In the summer of 2023, I wanted to find a summer opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone, increase my independence, and gain experience in the non-profit sector. I found a solo volunteering opportunity at a rural animal sanctuary in Croatia. Upon arrival, I was immediately thrown into learning the complex care routines for rescued pigs, donkeys, roosters, and other livestock. Coincidentally, I was the only volunteer working there for the first half of my placement. This meant I had to quickly learn the sanctuary’s daily operations on my own; problem-solving independently, and adapting to a fast-paced environment without the safety net of others. I learned a huge amount about the grassroots charity and its resource management and more importantly, discovered my own capability to adapt to unfamiliar, high-pressure environments quickly and independently.