Graduate success stories

Mia Morris, BA Counselling and Mental Health

Coming straight from college to university was a big leap into the unknown. Leaving behind the comfort of home and my caring responsibilities for my mum was daunting, and at first, I found the transition hard and often felt quite isolated. However, I knew that working towards a degree was the right path for me. I reached out to tutors for support, connected with my course mates, and joined societies to help me settle in. These decisions helped me find a community and gave me the confidence to try new things. Taking on roles as a club committee member and course representative gave me a sense of belonging and allowed me to turn my enthusiasm for responsibility into something meaningful.

A highlight of my time at university was the placements that were part of my degree. Having the freedom to choose where I wanted to work allowed me to explore different areas within children and young people’s services. I spent time with various York-based organisations, including Door84, working with youth groups; supported young people through 1-to-1 mentoring with The Island; and gained valuable experience at York Carers Centre, supporting both young carers and young adult carers services. These placements enabled me to apply what I was learning in real-life settings. Most importantly, they confirmed that my passion lies in supporting young people, especially those who take on caring roles at home.

After finishing university, I decided to stay in York, a city that had become a second home to me. I now work for City of York Council’s Together We Can service, which runs the city’s only two children’s residential homes. As a residential care practitioner, I work 24 hour shifts supporting young people in their day-to-day lives, helping them feel safe, valued, and ready to move towards independence. It’s a challenging role at times, but also deeply rewarding. Every day brings a new opportunity to make a difference, whether that’s through offering emotional support, helping with education or life skills, or simply being a consistent and trusted adult presence in their lives. 

My dream is to work in the voluntary sector with children’s charities, particularly with young carers. Having been a young carer myself, I know how vital that support can be. My journey from caring at home to university and now into my current role has taught me resilience, empathy, and the value of connection.

Chloe Ackroyd, BSc Environmental Geography

After struggling through school and not sitting my GCSEs due to Covid, I never imagined I’d make it to university. I went straight to college to study A-levels, but my chronic illness made attendance difficult. Despite health setbacks and completing my A-levels during the pandemic, I achieved the grades needed for university and refused to let my illness stop me from pursuing higher education. That decision led me to York St John University, where I studied Environmental Geography, a course that completely cemented my love for conservation and the environment.

University life brought both challenges and rewards. Managing my chronic illness while studying full-time was not easy and there were days when I couldn’t get out of bed. However, the encouragement and understanding of my friends and lecturers made all the difference. My dissertation was a significant challenge, but with the support of my tutors, I persevered and was proud to be awarded the Undergraduate Dissertation Prize. A highlight of my final year was a field trip to Slovenia, which provided a memorable end to my studies, shared with a close group of course mates.

Since graduating, I’ve continued to follow my passion for conservation. I completed a 12 month traineeship with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, working on a variety of projects alongside staff and volunteers. I’m currently in Greece on a Marine Conservation internship, collecting data to help protect species like Loggerhead Turtles, Green Turtles, and Monk Seals. Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in the conservation sector and continue my studies with a masters, and maybe even a PhD one day. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be that no matter what challenges you face, give it your best shot. There will be tough days, but there will also be moments where you thrive, and those are worth everything.

Ruth Banfield, BA Illustration

I’m an Outdoor Holidays Operations Assistant at The National Trust in Ambleside. I received my job offer in April 2025, while still studying, and started in June right after completing my final project.

From the end of my second year at York St John, there was a strong focus on employability. Modules on professional futures and regular one-on-one guidance with my tutors opened my eyes to career paths I hadn’t considered before – such as applying my illustration skills in unexpected areas like environmental conservation. This shift in perspective was invaluable, allowing me to look for roles in organisations which reflect my personal values without feeling restricted to purely illustrative jobs.

My role is incredibly varied, and the openness and curiosity I developed during my course continue to shape not only my career but also my daily life. I’ve learned how important it is to express what matters to me and to find ways to contribute to positive change.

Studying illustration taught me to approach situations without expectations or assumptions – something that’s proven to be hugely beneficial in working with people and solving problems. The course built a solid foundation for a broad range of careers, equipping me with project planning, self-discipline, adaptability, and creative thinking. These skills have proved valuable far beyond the university setting, helping me connect with others and engage meaningfully with the wider world.

I’m especially grateful to my tutors, whose dedication and enthusiasm have been instrumental in building my confidence and helping me feel certain about my career path.

Bekhi Ostrowska, MA Theatre and Performance

I came to university as a mature student at 48, having worked for 10 years at Jobcentre Plus in Coventry while raising my 3 children. In 2016 I relocated to York with my youngest son to build a more stable life. With my middle son already studying at York St John, we were able to support one another. I discovered the York charity KYRA Women’s Project, and through the Access Towards Inclusion programme, I began rebuilding my confidence alongside peer support from KYRA staff. I completed Level 2 Maths and English, followed by an Access to HE course in Art, Design and Media at York College.

During this time, I joined Converge at York St John University, which opened up exciting new opportunities for me. I immersed myself in their Theatre, Art, and Creative Writing courses, helping me to rediscover my voice. In 2018 I became the Art Mixed Media tutor for Converge, a role I continue to hold proudly. My passion for theatre led me to pursue a BA in Drama, Education and Community, followed by an MA in Theatre and Performance. Alongside teaching and volunteering with Converge, I’m a member of the Communitas Choir, Out of Character Theatre Company, and the Converge Evaluation and Research Team. I am also a lived experience contributor for Occupational Therapy (OT) student interviews and teach sessions on non-verbal communication with first year OT students. 

Some of my most memorable experiences at university include presenting at the ‘Neurodiversity in Higher Education 2’ conference and performing my MA project, The Power of 11, to a full audience of Converge peers. I also represented the Communitas Choir at the York St John carol service by delivering a reading, which was very important to me. I’m now hoping to begin a PhD focused on methods of non-verbal communication and designing sensory, utopian, educational spaces for both students and staff at York St John.

With the help of Disabled Students’ Allowance, academic mentors, and wellbeing support, I’ve learned to manage challenges through daily reflection, regulation strategies, and assistive tools. This journey has shown that with creativity, support, and resilience, meaningful transformation is possible.