I’d originally planned to study Law but in my final year of A Levels I made the decision to swap one of my subjects to History. This meant I had to study a two year course within a year. I have a huge interest in sociology, philosophy and also the study of culture so I was so delighted to have found something I study that let me look at all of those things. I decided to enter clearing and apply to do History at Leeds Beckett and do not regret my decision at all: I am loving my course and can hardly believe I’m actually working a lot of the time because I enjoy studying the topics we are covering so much. I am so glad I took the plunge and followed my passion instead of just listening to others. 

I have really enjoyed the modules I have studied so far, one that has really stood out to me has been Trade, Colonisation and Empire which covers topics such as imperialism and slavery and I think it is a vital addition to the course that everyone needs to hear.

Money is a big source of stress for me so even receiving the scholarship would help alleviate this and help me focus on my studies and improve my mental health.The most challenging thing for me right now at university in terms of academic issues is that I don't have a laptop which means if I need to get work done I have to go to library and back. This can be very tiring and isn't ideal, especially as the nights get darker and colder. History requires me to do a lot of research and extended writing which is much easier to do on a computer rather than on a phone screen which I currently have to use. Another problem this brings is that I feel I can't be to certain social aspects of university like other people can since I can't easily pick up and out down work since I need to get as much out of my library visits as possible.

In terms of my career, the idea of being a history teacher in a secondary school appeals to me as I would love a job where I get to teach my interest to others and even help them enjoy it. Given my childhood, I would love to be at a place in my life where I could help people in similar situations and I would love to be one of those teachers who truly supports and cares for their students, just as do many of mine did for me.