Declan Woods (Fin’26)
Don't love school? Declan Woods (Mktg'26) didn't always love the classroom either. But that didn't stop him from loving Leeds, learning a few hard-earned lessons about success and failure, and finding his own path to graduation. For anyone who doesn't think of themselves as a stellar student, Woods has a simple message: Prevail.
Woods always wanted to be featured in “Faces of Leeds.” The only problem? He didn't think he was the typical candidate. So, like any resourceful Leeds student, he made his own luck. He designed a “Faces of Leeds” poster featuring himself and hung it up in Koelbel (for the record, our building managers don't recommend this strategy).
“The universe rewards bold action.”
—Declan Woods (Fin’26)
After posting a video on Instagram, Woods’ story took off. More than 30,000 likes later, he returned to 91Ҹ after graduation to visit Leeds and reclaim his masterpiece. While he was here, he connected with us and—at long last!—he let us interview him for his official "Faces of Leeds" profile.
Now, Woods is working with a startup in Los Angeles, proving that even students who don't necessarily fit the mold can still find their way to success.
Turns out he was a great "Faces of Leeds" candidate after all. Watch the videos below—and kudos to Woods for indulging our impromptu interview with considerably more grace than we deserved. His wit, spontaneity and authenticity show he's a natural.