Hollie-Anne Morgan

My love for history began when I was much younger but grew when I did a DNA test in 2018 and started my family tree. This led me to learn about many people in my family, one person being my great-great grandfather Robert-Lambert Harrison, who was a comedian in Manchester between 1883-1921. Whenever I look at a record for my tree, I feel a rush of excitement to find out more and I’d love to feel that kind of excitement in my future career.

I chose to study at Edge Hill University because I loved the course content. I hadn’t seen another university offer a placement for a history module, they offered placements outside of the course, but it was never history focused. I knew that Edge Hill was going to give me an opportunity to put myself out there and tailor it towards my future. I also loved the feel of the campus and the accommodation. I came for an open day and felt that I could really picture myself enjoying being here.

The top three skills I have developed during my degree are:  

• Analysis
• Communication
• Researching

The most memorable moment of my degree so far was when I’d just come home from volunteering at the archives and as I sat at my desk, I felt so happy. I was starting to network and make something of myself. I’d figured out what I wanted to do for my dissertation and had told my colleagues what I planned to do. They were so excited and happy for me, wanting to help in any way they could.  This made me realise I was starting to figure things out about what I want to do with my life and for the first time, I felt like I could get there.

I love the lecturers, everyone is so friendly and always there to help, it makes you much more comfortable to go to them. They also learn who you are, so you really feel cared about they want you to succeed. They help you embrace your interests, there are many assignments in which you can tailor to your specific interests, for example the public history project or presentations on a historical figure of your choosing.

I love the atmosphere here because of the people I’ve met, I love my friends so much and I appreciate all the lecturers here, it genuinely is a lovely place to be.

My favourite place on campus would have to be one of the lakes. I like to watch the wildlife, mainly the ducks, go about their day. It helps me feel calm and allows me to take in the lovely environment we’re in, especially on a sunny day.

Edge Hill has really supported me during my degree. The lecturers have always helped me when I’ve needed it. They have really supported me in setting up my placement at Lancashire Archives, where I have stayed on as a weekly volunteer to help them with their own research. This is allowing me to get a great insight and valuable experience for what I want to do in the future.

When I graduate, I hope to go on to do a postgraduate in archives and record management or become a genealogist and help people discover more about their family trees.

University has really helped me grow as a person; I’ve gained independence and learnt some invaluable skills that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. I’ve been able to have so many experiences that allow me to further my degree and focus on my future, but in a personal sense, allowing me to find friends that I will have for the rest of my life and having so many fun times with them.

For anyone considering History at Edge Hill University, trust your gut, it comes down to what you feel is right for you. I’ve had an amazing time here, I’d recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it. It’s about what you want to do and what you feel is most important to you.