My favorite back to school tip is to always go to the professor and ask a question after your first class with them. Literally ask anything, big or small, like you’re encouraged to do in a job interview. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself, let them get to know your name/face, show you’re engaged with the content, and that you want to learn more! This method is much easier than sitting at the front of class and answering lots of questions, but has the same benefits. Not only is this a great chance to network (start networking even in high school - you never know where it could lead you!), it also means that the teacher will build a positive association with you immediately. That way, if ever necessary, they are likely to be more lenient if you need to miss class for a dentist appointment, because in their head, you’re the ‘good student’. It also means the teacher feels valued and like they’re making an impact! Try it out for yourself this semester and see the benefits for yourself!

There is a whole array of reasons why learning is important to me, both in my personal and professional life. I believe the ultimate goal isn't to reach a particular point in personal development, rather to be content with the fact that we are all works in progress! Higher education is particularly important to me, all of which link back to where I’ve come from, who I am currently, and who I want to be. So far, my higher education journey has been littered with highs, lows, and everything in between, but it has shaped the person I am today, and I am certain my journey is not over yet. In July 2021, I graduated from UCL with a First-Class BSc Hons in Security and Crime Science, and was, admittedly, unsure of what came next. Having learned three programming languages at university, I knew I was highly analytically minded, but I also enjoyed being creative and loved to write. My first job, post-graduation, was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. With my determined nature, I immediately signed up for a Level 3 Digital Marketing course in January. This involved 3 hours of class time each night, from Monday-Thursday, for 12 weeks, alongside my full-time job. I also began writing a weekly personal blog to create a portfolio for my content creation skills. I began to see the fruits of my labor when one week before my course ended, I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter for 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study for an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. The journey to where I am now is my education was not easy, but allowed for a lot of personal development. I learned a lot about myself, the american college system, managing my finances, and so much more. I'm still learning more every day as I embark on my journey in the US college system, and my first class is only this evening! Learning is about so much more than just formal education. After gaining my masters degree, I intend to pursue a career in the sports marketing sector. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honored to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching Formula 1 with her father. I believe my master’s will equip me with the necessary skills to succeed and open many doors for me, as well as allowing me to learn in a whole new environment - the learning never ends! All I need now is the funding to help me achieve my dreams.

I take great pride in staying healthy. Your body is a machine and you need to fuel it! One of my favorite ways to stay healthy is by combining methods for my mental, physical and nutritional health all into one, so it seems, and is, much more attainable. While in school, it can be hard to find the time for these things. However, I have managed to find a routine that works for me; keep reading to find out more! The first method I use is various forms of exercise. I think some people struggle with staying active because it can be hard to get into the routine. However, once you're in, the benefits are amazing! While I enjoy running for both my physical and mental health, you don’t have to go and run 5 miles if you don't want to; you can literally walk around the block. Getting out in the sun and feeling a nice breeze always boosts my mood and is still exercise, even if it's not vigorous! If you’re feeling adventurous, one block turns into two, which turns into a light jog for 3 blocks, and then there’s no stopping you! Start small so it’s easy to motivate yourself, then work your way up if you feel like doing more. I also love yoga - another mental and physical health combo. My pro tip if you're a student: see if your college offers free classes. Mine does which helps the bank, and my health! In terms of mental health alone, the classic, going to therapy/counseling always helps me. You don’t have to have something terribly wrong with you to go. We need to break this stigma! Therapy/counseling is for anyone and everyone who needs to get something off their mind, gain some mental clarity, or need help with some big life events. Just talking your issues through with someone, no matter how big or small, can do you the world of good. There are lots of more affordable options out there, like BetterHelp, or sometimes these services are available through your college. It’s always worth checking it out to see if it’s an option for you. Finally my nutritional health. I eat vegetarian probably 6 days of the week, but occasionally have a cheat for something like Sunday morning bacon - I'm only human! This means I'm really conscious of what I'm putting into my body because I need more protein from alternative sources. I'm also very much into supplements, spirulina is the number one super food and I'm all-aboard that train! I love making recipes with things such as flax seed and chia seeds (isn't chia pudding the best?!). I take multivitamins and cod liver oil daily in order to support my vital organs, bones, joints and pretty much everything else in my body. When you take care of what's inside, mental and physical, it shines through and you feel to benefits almost immediately. I'd recommend any of the above to anyone looking to branch out into a healthier lifestyle.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, if not, more so. Without feeling good mentally, it's hard to motivate yourself to do anything - work, go to school, exercise, spend time with friends and family. It can quickly become a negative cycle that can be really hard to break out of. It is therefore of utmost importance to do you best to not fall down that rabbit hole if you can avoid it. There are three main tips I use to help clear my mind and maintain my mental health, and I would recommend any of the three to anyone struggling or looking to build healthier habits. The first one - cue eye-roll - is exercise. I think most people don’t like this tip because when you’re in a slump, the last thing you want to do is force yourself out of bed to go and do something difficult. However, I think if you can flip the script, exercise can become really rewarding. You don’t have to go and run 5 miles; you can literally walk around the block. Getting out in the sun and feeling a nice breeze always boosts my mood. It’s especially good when you have a dog who needs a walk, because you’re doing it for them, and the added bonus is that it helps your mood too. If you’re feeling adventurous, one block turns into two, which turns into a light jog for 3 blocks, and then there’s no stopping you! Start small, then work your way up if you feel like doing more. The focus here is improving mental health, not becoming an Olympian. Secondly, the classic, go to therapy/counseling. You don’t have to have something terribly wrong with you to go. We need to break this stigma! Therapy/counseling is for anyone and everyone who needs to get something off their mind, gain some mental clarity, or need help with some big life events. Just talking your issues through with someone, no matter how big or small, can do you the world of good. There are lots of more affordable options out there, like BetterHelp, or sometimes these services are available through your college. It’s always worth checking it out to see if it’s an option for you. Finally, while this tip isn’t an official mental health resource, I find it really helpful. I collect inspirational quotes that mean a lot to me in a note on my phone and look back through these at times when I’m feeling low. This can be combined with mindfulness techniques by, choosing some quotes and using them as ‘mantras’ to help align your goals and feel some mental clarity. One thing I struggle with is feeling pressure about big decisions, opportunities lost, or feeling like I’m going down the ‘wrong path’. Below are some of my favorite quotes that help me in times when I feel a little unsure or lost: “There are still moments to come that will make everything else feel pale in comparison” “If it could’ve happened any other way, it would’ve” “Just be where your feet are” I think this is such a simple habit to develop – simply writing down any quote you see or hear that inspires you – but it can have a large positive impact on your life. I believe the smallest habits are the most sustainable, and therefore make the biggest difference in your life. This goes for any habits you develop for your mental health – start small and work your way up until you have a full routine that keeps you on track!

Science is important to society because in short, it's what makes the world turn. I wish I could sit here and tell you that I plan to go to space, or create a cure for cancer, but alas, I will have to leave that to the true geniuses. Despite this, science leaks into all facets of life, and for me, this is true of marketing. I'm fascinated in the data and technology behind marketing decisions and want to be a part of this process. In a few short weeks, I will be leaving the UK in pursuit of a master's degree in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University in Maryland. I have always loved STEM subjects; all the way from elementary school until the present. However, what has not been decided until recently, is where my passion for STEM subjects would take me. I'm now on a more set path, and I'm excited to see where it leads me in the near and distant future. In July 2021, I graduated with a First-Class BSc Hons in Security and Crime Science, and was, admittedly, unsure of what came next. Having learned three programming languages at university, I knew I was highly analytically minded, but I also enjoyed being creative and loved to write. My first job, post-graduation, was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. With my determined nature, I immediately signed up for a Level 3 Digital Marketing course in January. This involved 3 hours of class time each night, from Monday-Thursday, for 12 weeks, alongside my job at the time. I also began writing a weekly personal blog to create a portfolio for my content creation skills. I began to see the fruits of my labor when one week before my course ended, I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter for 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study for an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. The purpose of gaining this MS is to diversify my analytical skills in the marketing sector, which is now necessary for most marketing roles. This is particularly true of the sports marketing sector, where I intend to pursue a career after graduating. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honored to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching F1 with her father.

My favorite Disney character, by an absolute mile, is Winnie the Pooh. There are a lot of good characters to choose from, but he's the clear winner for me, and let me explain a few reasons why. My favorite show growing up was 'The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh', I loved the idea of a sweet bumbling little bear eating honey and hanging out with his friends. My favorite movie was always anything with Winnie the Pooh in it, especially the one where Christopher Robin goes to 'skull' - that's how it feels sometimes going to college; it's scary! However, it is the 'The Winnie the Pooh Collection' books that always stole my heart. This book was a huge part of my childhood. If my mum was reading to me before bed, 9 times out of 10 it was a Winnie the Pooh book. The collection of stories is a timeless classic that I believe all children would benefit from reading. As a child, I took life lessons from Winnie the Pooh that I still carry with me to this day. I'd argue the book is one of the most quotable I've ever read. Here are some of my favorites: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine." "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." The last one is particularly relevant to my life right now. As I embark on my journey to the US from the UK to pursue my master's degree, I'm leaving my loved ones behind. I count my blessings every day that I have such a wonderful group of people in my corner and know how lucky I am to say goodbye to them, and know they'll be there when I return. All thanks to Winnie the Pooh!

I believe reading has the most significant impact on children. Being read to, or reading yourself, is a key part of development for children. I am so grateful that my parents read to me every night before bed - not only is it the perfect time to bond, it helps little minds to grow! I say all this to preface the introduction of my favorite book(s) - The Winnie the Pooh Collection. I'm sure that'll produce some laughs, but let me tell you why. This book was a huge part of my childhood. If my mum was reading to me before bed, 9 times out of 10 it was a Winnie the Pooh book. If I was watching something on TV, 9 times out of 10 it was Winnie the Pooh. The collection of stories is a timeless classic that I believe all children would benefit from reading. As a child, I took life lessons from Winnie the Pooh that I still carry with me to this day. I'd argue the book is one of the most quotable I've ever read. Here are some of my favorites: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine." "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." The last one is particularly relevant to my life right now. As I embark on my journey to the US from the UK to pursue my master's degree, I'm leaving loved ones behind. I count my blessings every day that I have such a wonderful group of people in my corner and know how lucky I am to say goodbye to them, and know they'll be there when I return. All thanks to Winnie the Pooh!

There is a whole array of reasons why higher education is incredibly important to me, all of which link back to where I’ve come from, who I am currently, and who I want to be. So far, my higher education journey has been littered with highs, lows, and everything in between, but it has shaped the person I am today, and I am certain my journey is not over yet. In July 2021, I graduated from UCL with a First-Class BSc Hons in Security and Crime Science, and was, admittedly, unsure of what came next. My undergrad degree was entirely self-funded (a combination of work and student loans in my name) because I am from a low-income family and my parents could not afford to support my higher education. My desire to pursue higher education was partly inspired by my low-income background, as I knew in order to have more financial stability in my future, I would likely need a degree. I was also inspired by my parents’ hard-working nature because they showed me that if you work hard enough, you can have anything you put your mind to. They live a modest lifestyle but gave me an incredibly happy childhood. I also want to provide this for my future children, but with less financial hardship, thus my dream to pursue a bachelor’s degree was born. Where higher education would lead me next was less certain, however. Having learned three programming languages at university, I knew I was highly analytically minded, but I also enjoyed being creative and loved to write. My first job, post-graduation, was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. With my determined nature, I immediately signed up for a Level 3 Digital Marketing course in January. This involved 3 hours of class time each night, from Monday-Thursday, for 12 weeks, alongside my full-time job. I also began writing a weekly personal blog to create a portfolio for my content creation skills. I began to see the fruits of my labor when one week before my course ended, I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter for 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study for an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. The purpose of gaining this MS is to diversify my analytical skills in the marketing sector, which is now necessary for most marketing roles. This is particularly true of the sports marketing sector, where I intend to pursue a career after graduating. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honored to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching Formula 1 with her father. I believe my master’s will equip me with the necessary skills to succeed and open many doors for me. All I need now is the funding to help me achieve my dreams.

In a few short weeks, I will be leaving the UK in pursuit of a master's degree in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University in Maryland. I have always loved STEM subjects; all the way from elementary school until the present. However, what has not been decided until recently, is where my passion for STEM subjects would take me. I'm now on a more set path, and I'm excited to see where it leads me in the near and distant future. Please continue to read this essay to find out where my journey has taken me thus far. In July 2021, I graduated with a First-Class BSc Hons in Security and Crime Science, and was, admittedly, unsure of what came next. Having learned three programming languages at university, I knew I was highly analytically minded, but I also enjoyed being creative and loved to write. My first job, post-graduation, was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. With my determined nature, I immediately signed up for a Level 3 Digital Marketing course in January. This involved 3 hours of class time each night, from Monday-Thursday, for 12 weeks, alongside my job at the time. I also began writing a weekly personal blog to create a portfolio for my content creation skills. I began to see the fruits of my labor when one week before my course ended, I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter for 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study for an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. The purpose of gaining this MS is to diversify my analytical skills in the marketing sector, which is now necessary for most marketing roles. This is particularly true of the sports marketing sector, where I intend to pursue a career after graduating. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honored to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching F1 with her father.

I am a low-income international student from the UK, about to embark on a journey in the US with an F1 visa in hand and a dream of entering the sports marketing industry. The purpose of this essay is to outline my journey thus far, as well as my aspirations for the future. In July 2021, I graduated with a First-Class BSc Hons in Security and Crime Science, and was, admittedly, unsure of what came next. Having learned three programming languages at university, I knew I was highly analytically minded, but I also enjoyed being creative and loved to write. My first post-graduation job was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. With my determined nature, I immediately signed up for a Level 3 Digital Marketing course in January. This involved 3 hours of class time each night, from Monday-Thursday, for 12 weeks, alongside my job at the time. I also began writing a weekly personal blog to create a portfolio for my content creation skills. I began to see the fruits of my labor when one week before my course ended, I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter to 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. My goal has been to return to the US to study since I was an au pair in New Jersey for two years, from 2016-2018. I have always loved the country and have forged lifelong friendships with people who are from there. I also love the state of Maryland, hence my choice to pursue a master's at Towson University. The purpose of gaining this MS specifically, is to diversify my analytical skills in the marketing sector, which is now necessary for most marketing roles. This is particularly true of the sports marketing sector, which is where y biggest dream in life lies. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honored to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching F1 with her father. Of course, due to the sponsor of this scholarship, it couldn’t go without mentioning that working for the Orioles would be a dream come true, and maybe a possible reality when I pursue OPT after graduating! I am also an avid F1 fan, so working for one of the teams in this environment would also be a dream career for me. As stated in my profile, despite my status as a low-income student, I have never, and will never, let this prevent me from chasing my dreams. my parents could not, and still cannot, afford to financially support my higher education. I worked almost full-time to support myself during my undergrad at UCL in London. Due to my F1 visa status in the US, I’m only able to work part-time on-campus. Luckily, I have been awarded a 20hr a week assistantship at the Dean’s Office due to my work experience. However, even with this job, I’m still left with around $30,000 in estimated costs, according to my college website. For these reasons, any scholarship money would go a long way in supporting my education. To summarize, I love Maryland and I love the fact that I have been given an opportunity to study there, despite my low-income status. I would happily welcome any scholarship opportunities that will provide me with an opportunity to study that otherwise would not be financially viable. I began the pursuit of a career in marketing 6 short months ago, and I have seen how far my determination, commitment, and ambition have brought me in this time. I know I can, and will, continue this into my masters, and beyond.

One of the most important things to do when it comes to personal finance is to complete small daily tasks. This decreases how much effort financial management can feel like while allowing you to stay on top of your game. These small tasks can include writing a budget, ensuring you haven't gone overdrawn, and checking the due dates for bills. Sometimes the smallest things can throw us off track, such as a $30 gym membership that you don't use. This bill, that you forgot about, can put you into an overdraft and make you incur a $30 monthly overdraft charge. So now you're losing $60 a month, or $720 a year. If you were to invest this $60 a month instead, at a 5% return rate you'd have $756. So not only could you not lose $720, you'd make an additional $36! The above could all be possible with small daily tasks that don't have to be done at once. Check your bank account weekly for any charges you may have forgotten about and cancel them if they're unnecessary. Set up a direct deposit for $30 a month to go into an investment account. Check the few days leading up to payday to make sure you don't go into your overdraft. When you break it down, money management doesn't have to be hard. As is the case with many other areas, don't bite off more than you can chew! Build small and long-lasting habits for the brightest financial future.

I've volunteered in a number of different ways throughout my life and all of them have been influential on me and made me who I am today. As a teenager, I was actively involved in Girl Scouts where we would regularly volunteer at fairs in our community. Once I became too old for scouts, I began volunteering as a helper so I could still be involved. Now I'm older, and my beliefs have become more developed, my volunteering has more direction. I'm heartbroken about the current situation in Ukraine and admire the work of the British Red Cross in helping the men, women, and children who have been displaced. As a result, I am a marketing and communications volunteer for my local BRC shop to help with fundraising efforts. On top of this, I am hugely into helping our planet and being eco-friendly, so I go litter picking in my local area, as well as in a charity-owned forest about 10 miles from where I live. The older I’ve gotten and the more perspective I’ve gained, I’ve realized what is important to me. Firstly, the health of myself and my loved ones. A close second is the health of our planet. I’d be lying if I said at the beginning of my career journey, I set out to save the planet. What I can say, hand over heart, is that this is a mission of mine now. I know at this point you’re probably thinking ‘what does marketing have to do with the environment?’. In my opinion – it has everything to do with it. No person or company can solve the current environmental crisis we’re facing alone, however, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Ideally, after graduating, I want to work in the marketing department for Patagonia. I’ve loved the brand for as long as I can remember and really believe they are trailblazers in environmental marketing, and just generally being an environmental brand. In 2011, they released a campaign titled ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ which at first glance, would appear very counter-intuitive for a clothing brand. However, they don’t stray from their sustainable, eco-friendly ethos for even a second. They truly want their customers to make conscious sustainable choices and discourage people’s often wasteful attitude towards used clothing. They currently encourage customers to bring or send their broken items to Patagonia stores to be fixed, rather than simply purchasing a new one and sending the old one to landfill. They also offer credits to spend in-store if you bring in used Patagonia items, the list of eco-friendly campaigns never ends! As a result of all the above, Patagonia has an incredibly loyal customer base, and even better, a hugely positive impact on the environment. As with all the above, making progress in improving the health of our planet isn’t linear. As with all of the above, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep pushing forwards, and Patagonia’s mission really shows it works. I want to be part of a brand that is making a difference and going the extra mile for the environment because, as cliché as it is, we really don’t have a planet B.

I was a full-time nanny for four years, meaning I was a friend/guidance counselor/older sibling/parent/mentor hybrid for multiple young children. I took my job very seriously, knowing the impact a young person's experience can have on the rest of their lives. I always wanted our conversations and time spent together to be a safe place for them to vent their frustrations, talk about the things that mattered to them, and generally have some fun. During COVID I worked as a live-in nanny for a family with 3 children, but primarily looked after their youngest. She was/still is a bright, charming young thing with many hobbies, particularly a love of TikTok and dancing. When I was her live-out nanny, she always begged me to stay for dinner or to sleep over, so being locked down together was like a dream come true for her! In spite of COVID, we spent some really wonderful times together, going on daily walks with the dog and discussing the newest TikTok trends or learning a new recipe for dinner. I hope she enjoyed this time as much as I did! I think a large part of mentorship is just being present for someone. Sure, you can be an English mentor or something specific, but my hope with mentoring is to have an impact across many facets of someone's life by just being present to help. Be it help with English homework; needing a shoulder to cry on; encouraging body positivity and healthy eating; navigating difficult family/friend relationships; or something as simple as helping them pick an outfit for their big event. Mentoring to me means creating a safe space where people, particularly young people, can express themselves, be heard, and know they have someone in their corner.

Moving to the US at 18 to be an au pair was a huge risk. Living with a family I'd only met on Facetime twice and working for them. Having no friends or family in the country. Having way too little money in my bank account to make such a leap. But I did it because is a life without risk worth living? Without risk, there is no magic, and my experience in the US was nothing short of magic and shaped me into who I am today. An amazing reward for living bravely and boldly. Moving from the US back to the UK, but to London rather than my hometown, at 20 was a huge risk. I wanted a bachelor's degree and decided to attend UCL, the 8th best school in the world at the time. Despite knowing very little about computer science, I majored in Security and Crime Science. Without risk, there is no magic right? Well, the magic, in this case, was a First Class Honours Degree from a highly accredited university. Another reward for living bravely and boldly. Moving back to the US to pursue a master's degree at the age of 24 is going to be a huge risk. A huge risk that I'm taking in just under 2 months' time. I know it will be ok because it has been every other time. If it isn't, it'll be a life lesson and I'll find an alternative route, just like I always do. Without risk, there is no magic. I like to live boldly and bravely, with no fear. I'd be lying if I said I didn't ever get nervous or wonder if I'd made the right choice. In times like these, I remind myself again - without risk, there is no magic.

To me, the legacy we leave behind is more important than our time actually spent on earth. In the grand scheme of things, our life is so short that really the most important part is what we leave behind, which can go on for more years than we were alive. Look at Martin Luther King Jr – assassinated at age 39, but his legacy lives on and inspires people 54 years later. Or Marie Curie, a pioneer for women in STEM who died at age 66 and is still praised 88 years later. These are both people I look up to and aspire to make proud through my daily actions. I’m pursuing a career in STEM just like Marie Curie. I hope to have even an ounce of the love in my heart that Martin Luther King Jr had for others. The value of a person’s legacy cannot be put into words or numbers, but I can say that legacy is really important to me, and I hope to leave an inspiring, impactful one behind when my time is up. When I think of legacy, I think about the people in my life and what they will leave behind, particularly my parents. My upbringing was nothing short of perfect. Money struggles? None…that I knew of. Made redundant? I don’t know what that means but that wouldn’t happen to my dad, right? Difficult medical diagnoses? That only happens to other people. Are you catching the running theme? My childhood was perfect because my parents made it that way. I didn’t know struggle, but that certainly doesn’t mean struggle didn’t happen. Like most other families, my parents experienced hard times, but their number one priority was always making sure me and my siblings, had a happy, healthy, and nurturing environment to grow up in, no matter what. Now that is a life worth leading and a legacy worth leaving behind. My parent’s legacy will live on in their children and future grandchildren, who they raised to be kind and caring people. If I leave any legacy behind, I want it to be this – raising children exactly the way my parents raised me to continue the cycle. Not spoilt, but not aware of the trials of life. Not naïve, but not shown the cruelties of the world too young. Who children are raised to be are a huge part of a person’s legacy. I want my children to be raised to be good people. To care for the environment. To care for their fellow humans. To care for themselves. To put good out into a world that desperately needs more good. To and help each other in times of need. To be like my parents, Martin Luther King Jr, or Marie Curie. I have attached a picture of my parents who inspire me every day.

I once read a girl's college application essay where she was asked what her least favorite letter was. She said "S" and its effect on one word in particular. At first I was puzzled, but as I read more I was left in awe. Her least favorite letter was S because of the effect it had on the word parent(s). She went on to describe how she had lost one of her parents to cancer, so her parents became parent. This was made particularly hard when seeing 'parents' everywhere she went, even when Grammarly corrected her spelling. This essay had a real impact on me and made me realize how lucky I was, and am, to still have both of my parents. They have always been there to support me and not everyone has this luxury. Parents make and shape us into who we are and I'm grateful to mine for making me the person I am today. Not only this, but it made me think about how lucky I was to have "s" added to a lot of words in my life. Sisters, grandparents, pets, vacations, jobs - I could write an endless list. This girl's experience and essay had an impact on my life that she'll probably never know, but I'm grateful regardless. Everyone could stand to learn a lesson in gratitude from this essay and start counting their blessings as soon as they can. Part of learning and personal growth is looking back into the past and seeing what has shaped us. I'm a big advocate for seeking out lessons in every life experience, even one as simple as reading an essay and reflecting on your situation.

There are three main tips I use to help clear my mind and maintain my mental health, and I would recommend any of the three to anyone struggling or looking to build healthier habits. The first one - cue eye-roll - is exercise. I think most people don’t like this tip because when you’re in a slump, the last thing you want to do is force yourself out of bed to go and do something difficult. However, I think if you can flip the script, exercise can become really rewarding. You don’t have to go and run 5 miles; you can literally walk around the block. Getting out in the sun and feeling a nice breeze always boosts my mood. It’s especially good when you have a dog who needs a walk, because you’re doing it for them, and the added bonus is that it helps your mood too. If you’re feeling adventurous, one block turns into two, which turns into a light jog for 3 blocks, and then there’s no stopping you! Start small so it’s easy to motivate yourself, then work your way up if you feel like doing more. The focus here is improving mental health, not forcing yourself to get fit. Secondly, the classic, go to therapy/counseling. You don’t have to have something terribly wrong with you to go. We need to break this stigma! Therapy/counseling is for anyone and everyone who needs to get something off their mind, gain some mental clarity, or need help with some big life events. Just talking your issues through with someone, no matter how big or small, can do you the world of good. There are lots of more affordable options out there, like BetterHelp, or sometimes these services are available through your college. It’s always worth checking it out to see if it’s an option for you. Finally, while this tip isn’t an official mental health resource, I find it really helpful. I collect inspirational quotes that mean a lot to me in a note on my phone and look back through these at times when I’m feeling low. This can be combined with mindfulness techniques by, choosing some quotes and using them as ‘mantras’ to help align your goals and feel some mental clarity. One thing I struggle with is feeling pressure about big decisions, opportunities lost, or feeling like I’m going down the ‘wrong path’. Below are some of my favorite quotes that help me in times when I feel a little unsure or lost: “There are still moments to come that will make everything else feel pale in comparison” “If it could’ve happened any other way, it would’ve” “Without risk, there is no magic” “Just be where your feet are” I think this is such a simple habit to develop – simply writing down any quote you see or hear that inspires you – but it can have a large positive impact on your life. I believe the smallest habits are the most sustainable, and therefore make the biggest difference in your life. This goes for any habits you develop for your mental health – start small and work your way up until you have a full routine that keeps you on track!

One of the only things that fills me with pure fear is the count down in times square show the days we have left until global warming becomes irreversible. There is little an individual can do that would make a large impact on the environment, but I don't let that stop me from trying. I always use reusable bags when grocery shopping or running errands and encourage friends and family to do the same. When Christmas/birthdays roll around, reusable bags are a great gift that almost everyone loves and helps the environment - double win! I made a commitment for 2022 to only buy clothes in thrift stores/second-hand with the aim not to support fast fashion and prevent more clothes from going to landfill sites. What originally started out as an eco-friendly habit has now become a hobby of mine - thrifting is so fun! Another habit I have, and cannot seem to drop (despite how gross it is), is litter picking on walks/hikes around my village. I physically cannot walk past a piece of trash in the lovely green hedgerows and leave it there, so I carry it home with me. I don't do official litter picking, but I like to think I'm playing my part in this small way. Finally, I eat vegetarian 6 days a week. Due to chronic health issues, I cannot cut meat out of my diet entirely. However, I know the large negative impact the meat industry has on the environment, so I do my best to be as small of a consumer as I can. Even if you love meat, it is entirely possible to reduce your impact. If everyone did this, the environmental impact would be huge! Small changes are the most sustainable and maintainable, so let's all do our bit!

I am blessed enough to sit here and write that most of the problems I've faced have been first-world ones. This is probably true of most college students whose biggest woe is a broken laptop or a lost cell phone. This essay would be amiss if I didn't acknowledge that fact. Despite this, it can be really disheartening when everything seems to be going against you, which has been the case a couple of times in my life. One of the toughest times in my life was when I was 18 and planning to move to the US for a year to be an au pair. I had to pass my driving test and all my final high school exams before I could go. I had a lot on my plate and the last thing I needed was a horrific bout of tonsillitis. So it was a horrific bout of tonsillitis I got. I was almost bedridden and unable to practice for my driving test so ultimately failed. I had to miss an exam and resit it at a later date even though I'd spent weeks studying for it. Despite all this, I persevered through the fog of tonsillitis. I wanted to be an au pair more than anything, and I knew if I could dream it, I could do it. By the end of the summer, I had passed all my exams with flying colors and was all packed up ready to go to the US. The experience taught me not to give up on my dreams, no matter how far away they might seem. It taught me that perseverance goes a long way, as well as being grateful for your support network who can lift you up in tough times, as my family did for me.

I have never been good at taking my own advice. If any of my friends were given $1000 right now, I'd tell them three things - invest, invest, and then invest again. Investing is the number one way (in my opinion) to achieve financial freedom in the future. I always get a little excited when I see 'Vanguard Asset Man' come up on my bank statement each month. I feel productive and money savvy; all I did was set up a direct debit! That being said, I said I don't usually take my own advice, which leaves the question, what would I do with £1000? The answer? Another type of investment - education. I'm originally from the UK but I'm currently pursuing my lifelong dream of attending college in the US to gain my master's degree. As much as I love pursuing my dream, it is incredibly expensive. £1000 could be one month's rent, tuition, books, or gas to get to college for a few months (thanks to rising gas prices!). I'd love to sit here and tell you about the crazy vacation I'd take, or the new puppy I'd adopt, or the new phone I'd buy. The reality is, while college isn't the most glamorous, it is so important to me that it really is the only thing I'd want to spend the $1000 on. Maybe I'd skim $5 off the top for a coffee to drink while studying - I'm only human!

I believe reading has the most significant impact on children. Being read to, or reading yourself, is a key part of development for children. I am so grateful that my parents read to me every night before bed - not only is it the perfect time to bond, it helps little minds to grow! I say all this to preface the introduction of my favorite book(s) - The Winnie the Pooh Collection. I'm sure that'll produce some laughs, but let me tell you why. This book was a huge part of my childhood. If my mum was reading to me before bed, 9 times out of 10 it was a Winnie the Pooh book. If I was watching something on TV, 9 times out of 10 it was Winnie the Pooh. The collection of stories is a timeless classic that I believe all children would benefit from reading. As a child, I took life lessons from Winnie the Pooh that I still carry with me to this day. I'd argue the book is one of the most quotable I've ever read. Here are some of my favorites: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine." "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." The last one is particularly relevant to my life right now. As I embark on my journey to the US from the UK to pursue my master's degree, I'm leaving loved ones behind. I count my blessings every day that I have such a wonderful group of people in my corner and know how lucky I am to say goodbye to them, and know they'll be there when I return. All thanks to Winnie the Pooh!

I consider myself an ally of many marginalized communities because I believe in advocating for those who need support, or in some cases raising the voices of those who are unable to advocate for themselves. A large part of allyship is promoting education for social justice issues so we can grow as individuals and a community. In my undergrad degree, I majored in Security and Crime Science and completed a dissertation as part of my course. I chose the title ‘An Investigation into Violent Escalation at Peaceful Protests in London.’. This topic is important to me for several reasons and was incredibly topical at the time of its creation. George Floyd’s murder had recently occurred, as well as the murder of Sarah Everard - both at the hands of police officers. As a result, protests were happening incredibly regularly, promoting discourse about how the police treat marginalized individuals, such as ethnic minorities and women. I believe the best way to move forward, learn from mistakes, and in some cases tragedies, and promote better treatment of these communities is through education. I aimed to provide an academic viewpoint about the causes of violence at protests so practitioners could explore ways to reduce said violence. Interviewing protestors from marginalized communities only strengthened my desire to be an ally for such causes and showed me how necessary fighting for social justice is. The final 10,000-word paper was sent to practitioners within the MET police, as well as some protest organizations to promote education on both sides. Feedback has been entirely positive and I feel proud that I was able to use my academic background to help in any way I could. Here is an abstract of the findings of my research: When looking at recent events, such as the Sarah Everard vigil-turned-protest (Davies, 2021), violence at peaceful protests in London is a current and pressing issue. The occurrence of violence at peaceful protests is an issue of public order (Human Rights Act 1998, 1998; Public Order Act 1986, 1986) and therefore, it is important to understand why it occurs, and how to successfully prevent it. Through the collection of qualitative data, via an online survey and semi-structured interviews with both law enforcement officers and protestors, and its subsequent thematic analysis, three main themes were identified to answer the research questions; the likelihood of violence can increase due to: 1) police response and tactics, 2) a combination of small situational factors, 3) organization, planning and communication. From here, improvements in organization, planning and communication were identified as the most crucial factor in decreasing the likelihood of violence. These findings provide tentative evidence to suggest several improvements for policy and practice, as well as highlighting the importance of rebuilding the public’s trust in the institution of law enforcement. The limitations of the current research piece are also discussed, along with suggestions for future research about the previously undocumented findings identified in the current study. Attached to my application is my full dissertation for further reading; if desired! Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Further information about my studies is available on my profile.

In July 2021, I graduated with a First-Class BSc Hons in Security and Crime Science, and was, admittedly, unsure of what came next. Having learnt three programming languages at university, I knew I was highly analytically minded, but I also enjoyed being creative and loved to write. My first job, post-graduation, was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. With my determined nature, I immediately signed up for a Level 3 Digital Marketing course in January. This involved 3 hours of class time each night, from Monday-Thursday, for 12 weeks, alongside my job at the time. I also began writing a weekly personal blog to create a portfolio for my content creation skills. I began to see the fruits of my labour when one week before my course ended, I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter to 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. The purpose of gaining this MS is to diversify my analytical skills into the marketing sector, which is now necessary for most marketing roles. This is particularly true of the sports marketing sector, where I intend to pursue a career after graduating. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honoured to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching F1 with her father. In the digital age, it is important to understand the importance of data-driven strategies. I am analytically minded, having successfully completed 4 modules in university with a significant data analysis component, including the use of Python, R and SPSS. Using these tools, I have developed my knowledge of the most effective data visualisation practices (in Python and R); hypothesis testing (chi-squared, t-test and ANOVA in SPSS); and the utility of machine learning algorithms (in R). I believe the MS in Marketing Intelligence would be an excellent opportunity for me grow this skill set, as challenging as it may be. If awarded, I would use the scholarship money for tuition. I fully intend to pursue an assistantship for partial tuition relief, reducing my tuition fees to in-state equivalency. However, even with an assistantship, I would still be liable for $10,000+ in tuition. With F1-visa restrictions leaving me unable to work in the US, my tuition will be funded entirely by my personal savings and scholarships. My personal savings contributions will be limited due to other expenses, such as health insurance, which sits at ~$2000. In summary, this scholarship would provide me with an opportunity to study that otherwise would not be financially viable. I began the pursuit of a career in marketing 6 short months ago, and I have seen how far my determination, commitment, and ambition has brought me in this time. I know I can, and will, continue this into my masters, and beyond.

I believe taking up space means behaving exactly like a man. You’re not ‘aggressive’, you’re assertive. You’re not ‘bitchy’, you just aren’t scared to ask your team to meet goals. You’re not ‘bossy’, you just know how to guide your team. Too long women have been shown they need to take up less space and it’s enough. I believe I have just as much right to have an opinion as a man. I believe women deserve just as much time in male dominated industries, such as motorsports. I have taken up space in number roles. My first job, post-graduation, was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. I am determined and will continue to advocate for myself, which again means taking up space. I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter to 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. When I’m in any professional or educational environment I’m not scared to contribute, discuss topics, and disagree where relevant. I also believe the power of being present is unbeatable. The purpose of gaining this MS is to diversify my analytical skills into the marketing sector, which is now necessary for most marketing roles. This is particularly true of the sports marketing sector, where I intend to pursue a career after graduating. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honoured to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching F1 with her father. It is important for role models to ‘take up space’ to make room for future generations. This is what taking up space means to me.

In July 2021, I graduated with a First-Class BSc Hons in Security and Crime Science, and was, admittedly, unsure of what came next. Having learnt three programming languages at university, I knew I was highly analytically minded, but I also enjoyed being creative and loved to write. COVID had a huge impact on this part of my education, which left me feeling particularly isolated and lost. My first job, post-graduation, was as an online e-commerce assistant, where I was given an insight into many different aspects of the business field. Here, I discovered my creative and analytical sides could be combined with a career in marketing. With my determined nature, I immediately signed up for a Level 3 Digital Marketing course in January. This involved 3 hours of class time each night, from Monday-Thursday, for 12 weeks, alongside my job at the time. I also began writing a weekly personal blog to create a portfolio for my content creation skills. I began to see the fruits of my labour when one week before my course ended, I secured a 6-month, full-time ‘Sales and Marketing Internship’ at a large job-listing company in London. Since beginning this internship, my passion for marketing has blossomed. I am a writer at heart, so I have relished the opportunity to write a weekly newsletter to 100k+ subscribers. I have also seen the importance of understanding the data behind trends, to predict the next best move. Since beginning this internship, I have also started as a ‘Marketing and Communications Volunteer’ for the British Red Cross, as well as being accepted to study an MS in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University. In the digital age, it is important to understand the importance of data-driven strategies. I am analytically minded, having successfully completed 4 modules in university with a significant data analysis component, including the use of Python, R and SPSS. Using these tools, I have developed my knowledge of the most effective data visualisation practices (in Python and R); hypothesis testing (chi-squared, t-test and ANOVA in SPSS); and the utility of machine learning algorithms (in R). I am due to complete a digital marketing course in March, where I have gained the practical knowledge to utilise search engine optimisation with keywords; market research with tools such as Google Adwords; and best practices for social media advertising. I believe the MS in Marketing Intelligence would be an excellent opportunity for me to learn how to combine these skillsets, while providing me with practical experience for future employment, particularly a career in digital marketing management. The purpose of gaining this MS is to diversify my analytical skills into the marketing sector, which is now necessary for most marketing roles. This is particularly true of the sports marketing sector, where I intend to pursue a career after graduating. I believe I will thrive in this typically fast-paced environment and would be honoured to represent women in such a male-dominated sector. I’d like to think that my presence would provide younger female sports fans with a role model, as Clare Williams of Williams Racing was to me as a young girl watching F1 with her father. I am a confident and strong leader, with project management experience from a research project internship role with a local council. For this project, I produced a final report about the sourcing of knives for crime-related incidents for local practitioners and stakeholders. I used project management tools, such as Gantt charts, KPIs, and risk analysis matrices to maximise the outcomes of the research in the time frame given, and to ensure stakeholder needs were met. Once the report was completed and distributed, I was asked to give a presentation of my findings to a panel of government-level board members, so the findings could be used to inform county-wide knife crime reduction initiatives. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in a managerial position, which I believe this course will allow me to achieve. More personally, I am an extremely determined and academically minded student. I completed an independent research project, including a 10,000-word research paper, at the height of COVID-19, when all activities were moved to the online sphere. Despite this, I sourced participants; ran an online survey; and ran interviews virtually, resulting in the achievement of an A+ grade overall. I have excellent written and oral communication skills and remain confident when speaking with superiors, a skill I honed when I was the 3rd Year academic representative for my cohort at university. In this role I liaised between department heads, module conveners and students to create an open line of communication, including attending quarterly department meetings to discuss solutions and feedback. I am dedicated to producing work at pace, due to my well-developed time management and organisation skills. I believe these qualities will make me an excellent Marketing Intelligence candidate in the present, as well as a successful marketing professional in the future. Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement; I hope I have effectively communicated how enthusiastic and capable I am for this opportunity, and I look forward to the possibility of receiving funding.