Profile fourteen

I was a student in Broadgreen 6th Form studying the I.B. (International Baccalaureate). I had been a student there for my high school years also, so it was convenient for me to attend the 6th Form where I was familiar with the environment and teachers. Further the I.B. course allowed me a wide range of subject choice that I perhaps would not have had if I had done A levels.

None the less studying the I.B. course has had profound positive effect on my life, both educational and personal. I knew the course was going to be difficult both educationally and personally as it required a lot of extra curricular activities which we as students had to organise and carry out. For example the CAS (creative, action & service) part of the I.B. requires student to complete fifty hours of each area in order to attain the full diploma. This got me involved in volunteering, which I still do for Cancer Research UK, badminton and most interestingly African drumming in which I have joined a band and have played on various events in Liverpool, most recently the opening of Liverpool One.

Other than the extra curricular activities, the course required students to study Theory of Knowledge, complete an extended essay of 4000 words as core for the course and study six subjects. Three of the subjects had to be chosen at higher level and three at standard. English, Mathematics and a foreign language were compulsory. I chose to study English, Mathematics, French at standard level and Psychology, Physics and Chemistry at higher level. My expected grades are in and around 4-7 with grades being out of 7 in each of the six subjects. Further 3 points can be attained from CAS, theory of knowledge and the extended essay to give a full total of 45 points. I require 31 points from 45 in order to be accepted at university and I am optimistic about obtaining it.

I have applied to study Chemical engineering at Aston University. The main reason for me choosing Chemical engineering is because I simply enjoy the subject and have a genuine interest in it. Chemical engineers design and produce plans and processes in which we can take raw materials and turn them into useful tools at a low cost while being green at the same time. A chemical engineer is at the forefront of the process chain and has dealt with almost everything we use in our daily life. Further new research has been carried out into Bio-fuels as the crises over oil and pollution continue. Chemical engineers are discovering new ways to use fuels more effectively and even discovering new fuels. For my extended essay I conducted a study into Chip fat as a form of diesel. I had to carry out a calorimetry experiment using chip fat and all of this had to be done independently. I had a wonderful time in writing the essay as I was doing something I enjoyed. Doing such things as independent research really helps me prepare for university well.

One of the main reasons for choosing Aston as my first choice university is because of its ranking in the chemical engineering department. It is ranked 2nd only to Imperial college and further it has great industrial links which will hopefully facilitate placements and finding a job after graduation. I believe it is the best place for me to study chemical engineering.

The acceptance of me for this award has helped me already before I have even started university. It has given me more confidence in that I know I will be able to afford my accommodation at university. When I first read the letter that I was successful in obtaining the award I was over the moon! I couldn’t tell you how happy I was. Knowing that I have this award allows me to concentrate more on getting my self ready for university, then after starting, concentrating on the studies rather then spend most of my time working. It means that I will be less stressed and will have more time to organise everything in my first year there. Further it will also allow me to use more of my money to buy the safety equipments I require to carry out experiments and also it will allow me to buy the books I require.

All things considered the award has helped me relax a bit more and helped me look forward to starting university more. It has definitely been a good motivation in that I want to be able to show that the money was well spent by graduating and obtaining the career I want. I cannot thank the trustees enough for granting me this award!! 

I am currently a student at Aston University studying Chemical Engineering and I have just completed my first year. I am pleased to say that the year went as well as I could have hoped. One of the main reasons for this is the award given to me by the trustees. I mentioned the ways in which I expected the award would help me with university life when I wrote my initial profile (just after I finding out that I was one of those privileged to be receiving an award) 

Academically I have learnt so much this year.  My first year at university has also been the most enjoyable, life changing year of my life so far.  I have already been involved in many societies at university and have been to various events to represent the university.

I am a member of the Sri Lankan society, Boxing Club and 5-Aside football side and hoping to join the Badminton and Cricket Club next year. Being a member of the Sri Lankan society allowed me to meet member from my country and help me promote our culture to the university. I was actively involved in one of the main events which we organized known as More’s. It consisted of all of the different cultures represented in the university participating in a one night event with a fashion show, a buffet and performances from the different cultures. I, along with other first year students, was given the task of decorating the event and we came up with a theme which is regularly used in Sri Lanka. The picture below shows some of the decoration we made.

It was a wonderful night and everyone loved the decorations.
I also represented the university at the competition between universities at the NEC. Teams had to build a bridge out of A3, A4 paper, strings and tapes that can hold a weight of 5kg. It was a completely new experience for me and I learnt a lot from it.

I have met lots of new friends and have surely turned a new leaf in my life. I feel much more in-dependent, living on my own and paying my own bills. My parents have also helped me by supporting me throughout my first year at university and I hope to repay them by getting through university and getting my degree.

This year the award was paid directly towards my accommodation.  If I had not received the award, I am sure I would not have been able to enjoy the first year as much as I have. I did not have to work as much as I would have had to if I did not receive the grant. I really owe it to the trustees to ensure that they will never regret giving me the award. I am even more determined then I was at the start to achieve a 1st class degree at the end of my university life. I believe this would be the perfect way for me to thank the trustees.

I can’t wait for my second year to begin and am eager to gain more knowledge. Once again I can’t stress just how much this charity has helped me and is still helping me.