Two students from across Gloucestershire have celebrated their graduation from the 国产视频.
Olivia Wallace and Mabel Walton were among those who graduated with First Class Honours in the historic Worcester Cathedral last week.
Olivia, from Longlevens, earned her First Class Honours in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
“Achieving First Class Honours has made all the hard work worth it and given me the confidence to believe in my ability,” said the 21-year-old.
Olivia said studying during the pandemic was challenging. “I found my motivation took a hit, however, the University provided great support,” she said. “I had regular meetings with my Personal Academic Tutor and Research Project Supervisor, both who helped ignite my motivation again through creating routines, study plans and giving myself regular breaks. As soon as rules were relaxed the University worked hard to get some lectures/seminars back in person which helped towards the end of my degree. The Students’ Union were also brilliant throughout and ensured that as Vice Chair of Worcester Sinners Cheerleading, along with the other committee members, we could continue to provide training and socials online and get back in person when safe to do so which greatly improved the well-being of myself and others.”
Olivia is now studying for a Health Psychology Masters’ degree. “During my degree, I completed a Health Psychology module which fuelled my passion for positive behaviour change and I am extremely excited to be progressing straight on to a MSc in this important, emerging area of Psychology,” she said. “Alongside studying for my MSc, I will be working part-time in a Neurological Rehabilitation centre as a Neurological Services Health Care Assistant, which is a role I began during the break between finishing my degree and beginning my MSc.
Mabel, from Stroud, earned her First Class Honours in Business and Marketing.
“When I found out I’d achieved a first I burst into tears,” said the 23-year-old. “I think this year has been incredibly challenging for many people during the pandemic and to receive a First was the silver lining. I’ve never considered myself as particularly academic, throughout both school and college I’d achieve good grades by working hard. University wasn’t the pathway I thought I’d end up on at all. It really does prove that you get out of life what you put in.”
As part of her studies, Mabel undertook a voluntary position as a Social Media Marketing Manager for a local firm. “This was a fantastic way to gain real life experience and practice the marketing techniques I had learned in my degree thus far. This role entailed weekly virtual meetings, campaign planning, social media management and data analytics,” she said
Mabel is now working as a Marketing Manager for another local firm and is currently studying for a Professional Diploma with The Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Mabel also praised the support she received during the pandemic. “I cannot fault the business school lecturers at the 国产视频, collectively they are the most genuine, intelligent, supportive, and caring people,” she said.
She added: “I unfortunately lost my grandmother midway through my final year and didn’t think I would achieve a First due to grieving. The lecturers were so supportive, they suggested I take time to be with my family, my course leader, Clare Taylor, helped me to put in place options in case I needed to defer my assignment submission. I chose not to, and I didn’t miss a deadline! I truly think this was due to the positive influence of the lecturers and the complete understanding of my situation.”