Edge Hill student Emma Hughes has been awarded an Excellence Scholarship in recognition for her commitment to volunteering.
Emma, from North Wales, has been involved with Scouts now for almost twelve years. Living in the mountains with beaches right on her doorstep, Emma loves being outside, and joining Beavers opened up a whole new world of outdoor activities to get involved in.
Moving up the ranks from Beavers to Explorers, the 19 year-old gained her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. She decided to try her hand at volunteering and became a young leader, following in her dad’s footsteps.
When a friend was diagnosed with autism at fifteen years old, Emma researched how she could help her: “Whilst researching autism, I became intrigued how ADHD can affect people too. So, when a child with ADHD came into the Beavers group I volunteered at, I met with his mum and other scout leaders to see how we could help. I put myself forward to look after him, I’d sit with him, take activities to him and over time he gradually started to feel more comfortable and integrated with the group.”
Emma noticed on Edge Hill University’s website that applicants can apply for an excellence scholarship: “I decided to go for it because there was nothing to lose, but I honestly didn’t expect to be chosen. It’s really nice to be recognised for the volunteer work I’ve been so passionate about.”
“I found out that I’d been awarded a scholarship the day before going to visit my grandma in Cambodia. I couldn’t believe it, I was thrilled.”
Studying BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, Emma continued: “My grandma works in schools in Cambodia, so I was able to visit some primary schools with her and see how teaching is done there before starting my teaching degree at Edge Hill. I’d love to teach abroad one day.”
“One of my favourite areas on campus so far is definitely the forest school, I can’t wait to start learning teaching practice out there. I’d like to focus on ways of teaching outside and how I can help children who struggle in a traditional classroom setting.”
“My advice to anyone thinking of applying to Edge Hill would be to visit an open day. As soon as we set foot on campus, I really liked it, the campus felt almost like home from home.”
“I chose to come to Edge Hill because I loved how open and green the campus is. It’s not too built up, all of the buildings have huge windows, so you never feel closed in. Coming from North Wales, this was important to me as I can’t see myself being at a university in a city. But knowing that Liverpool is just a train ride away means I can visit regularly.”
Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for applicants and current students to celebrate determination, commitment and achievement in a variety of areas, from rewarding academic excellence, overcoming adversity, and helping and inspiring others. Learn more about the range of scholarships the University by visiting www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships/.
Alongside one of the most impressive and innovative scholarship packages in the higher education sector, the University operates the Student Opportunity Fund to help students take part in career enhancing opportunities. Find out more here www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships/student-opportunity-fund.
To discover more about courses at Edge Hill University, please visit ehu.ac.uk/study.
November 3, 2022
