For 21-year-old Eloise, the university experience was about more than just lectures. By throwing herself into extracurricular activities, she has transformed from a shy student into a future teacher with the skills to lead and inspire.
“Throughout my time at university, I wanted to do more and give back,” Eloise explained. “I pushed myself to volunteer for GirlGuiding and the SHOUT crisis textline, which helped me gain essential skills and build my confidence.
“I also joined the Scouting and Guiding Society and served as Treasurer for the Psychology Society. It’s amazing to look back and see how much I’ve grown.”
This commitment to her community saw Eloise awarded an Edge Hill Excellence Scholarship, which recognises students who go above and beyond in areas such as volunteering and enterprise.
Her journey also took her far beyond Ormskirk; at the end of her first year, she joined a student trip to India.
“It was completely out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I was travelling with nine people I didn’t know at all, learning about wellbeing and culture. It was one of the best experiences of my life and it’s something I never would have done if not for the opportunities available here.”
Reflecting on her personal growth, Eloise noted how these challenges have reshaped her ambitions:
“I’ve developed so much more confidence than I thought I had. Before, I never would have imagined I could speak in front of large groups or walk into a room of strangers and start a conversation.
“University helped me break out of my shell and realise that I am capable of so much more than I thought.”
Joined by her parents and younger sister at her graduation ceremony, Eloise, from Rugby, is now looking forward to the next chapter.
She plans to begin a Primary PGCE next year to pursue her dream career as a primary school teacher, with a long-term goal of blending her expertise in education and psychology.
Her advice to current and future students is simple:
“Try as many new things as possible. If something seems even slightly intriguing, give it a go. Even if you only try a society once and it’s not for you, you’ve lost nothing, you’ve only gained the experience of stepping out of your comfort zone.”
To find out more about studying Psychology at Edge Hill University or come along to our next Open Days, Saturday 15th August, Saturday 17th October or Saturday 21st November.
August 3, 2026
