The BA (Hons) Sports Journalism course has changed everything for me. It has improved my confidence in everyday life, allowed me to put learning into practice, and pushed me out of my comfort zone.

The course has offered me so many opportunities over a short space of time, including real-life press experiences, and this recent trip to LA to name a few. I chose this course because of my love for sport, rooted in my childhood. As an ex-triathlete, I knew that I would somehow be involved in sport throughout my life and as someone who also enjoys writing, the idea of putting these two together for a career was perfect.

I was selected for the trip to LA following my submission of a two-minute showreel, presenting my best work and how I've capitalised on the opportunities given to me across the year. I had little faith that I would be chosen for the trip considering the long list of amazing Journalism students at Leeds Beckett, but I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to apply.

Along with two other students, I was selected and the 10-day LA trip was an amazing learning experience. To be able to work alongside the Leeds Beckett international recruitment team and promote the idea of scholarships to prospective students was really interesting. We had the opportunity to visit several Universities and high schools across LA. Learning about the culture of being a student-athlete in America and the commitment they have towards their sports was so fascinating. I was in awe of the facilities available for these students.

Not only were we traveling alongside the recruitment team to various universities and high schools, but we also managed to enjoy some downtime visiting some of LA's famous sites including the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The highlight of my trip was the opportunity to travel to San Diego to watch a San Diego Legions training and an OMBAC training session. As someone who has grown up a rugby fan and focuses their content mainly on rugby, this was the most exciting experience for me. San Diego legions have some big names on their roster and to be within that environment was jaw-dropping for me.

This experience has provided me with so many new skills, especially shooting interviews and sport. I’ve also been able to improve my video editing capabilities to create professional standard video. It's provided me with the opportunity to develop the skills I’ve learned across the year in a professional working environment and has excited me for a future career in the industry.

Overall, my first year of Sports Journalism has been one of excitement and opportunity, it's a course I would recommend to any prospective Leeds Beckett student because it offers you so much, not only in a professional sense but also personally. Across this year my confidence has skyrocketed, allowing me to promote myself for opportunities like this LA trip. It has provided me with enough confidence to start a YouTube channel in which I'm hoping to document my Sports Journalism experiences.