2022 graduates

Ella Prince, Accounting and Finance BA

I am thrilled to be awarded a First in Accounting and Finance, a subject I chose because I have always been passionate about maths. I worked so hard over the past 4 years for this, and my grade made everything worthwhile.

During my time I had to overcome anxiety when it came to exams. I used to put so much pressure on myself. My placement year massively helped me prepare for the working world and understand what to expect when starting my career properly.

I learnt basically everything there is to know about accounting: how to balance my time; how to prioritise things such as exam preparation; a lot about the world of business. We did a lot of case study sessions which really helped me understand things in perspective. 

I was able to take exams whilst at university that carry exemptions from ACCA exams, so I have a head start to complete my professional qualifications I see the things I learnt at York St John every day in my job as a tax associate in the international and domestic advisory team- focusing on the mergers and acquisitions team for PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers) in Dubai. 

Helgi Clayton McClure, Cognitive Psychology PhD

After completing my undergraduate degree at St Hilda’s college, Oxford, in 2016, I spent two years living in Manchester, writing and performing as a musician. I was led to York St John University by a timely call back to my home city and the opportunity to get back into academia. 

Since starting my PhD in cognitive psychology in 2018, I have learned a lot both academically and otherwise. The pandemic changed the whole structure of my research, as lab-based approaches were no longer feasible. I also became a father in 2019 and now have two children. 

Safe to say, I learned a great deal about responsibility, structure and the importance of being flexible in the face of changing circumstances! Fortunately, York St John University offered me a great balance of academic freedom and support. I was given a level of autonomy to take my PhD where it needed to go. The first publication to come out of it, ‘Controllability is key: Goal pursuit during COVID-19 and insights for theories of self-regulation’, went online this August and felt like a real accomplishment. I also had the opportunity to co-organise a conference, Greater Yorkshire Memory Meeting, on our York campus. It was an opportunity to meet experts in the field and bring people together with a view to future collaboration. 

Working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA, now Academic Associate) on the Psychology BSc programme complemented my PhD research and made me feel more integral to the department. While Psychology attracts some of the biggest cohorts in the University, I taught small-group seminars and tutorials and thrived on the tangible sense of community. York St John's long-standing ethos of accessibility and excellent student support really stood out in my time working there. 

I am now working as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Hull, investigating thinking biases in those experiencing symptoms of depression. 

Beth Lally, Drama: Education and Community BA

My graduation marks the end of my BA Drama: Education and Community programme, but is just the start of my career in social justice. During my degree I worked with the University’s Prison Partnership Project, driven by my belief in the gift of creativity for social change. 

It was this project that motivated me to apply for a place at York St John initially, so being able to contribute directly through my studies was incredibly fulfilling. 

A highlight of my degree has been my recent award for the Institute For Social Justice (ISJ) Student Prize. The drive behind my work came from the fact that I believe everyone should have access to creative arts, because being creative can transform lives. 

I have been inspired by the women I work with, because when women work with other women, beautiful things happen.  

I am thrilled to be carrying on into an MA in Applied Theatre that will hopefully lead to my dream of working as a practitioner within the criminal justice system. I have truly fallen in love with applied theatre practice and can't wait to see what the future holds. 

I wrote a blog post, reflecting on my ISJ prize and the detail of the social justice work I have done, available on the ISJ blog page. 

Mpho Dintwa, Media Production MA

Before coming to York I was between Botswana and South Africa as an independent factual producer, producing documentaries and lifestyle shows. I run Box Screen Pictures an award-winning production company with offices in Gaborone, Johannesburg. We champion equality and inclusivity in our work and hope to illuminate diverse points of view and give a voice to memorable characters.  

My film Ties that Bind tells the tale of Michael Dingake, a political activist and writer who was a fellow prisoner of Nelson Mandela in the battle against apartheid. Dingake is originally from Botswana, like me.   

This story felt important to tell because it's a story about unsung heroes of Africa. Dingake's contribution to the liberation struggle of South Africa and the region is massive.  

The film has been warmly received since its release last year. It was recognized at the Durban Film mart, Garden Route International Film Festival in South Africa in July 2021. Now the film has gone on to win Best Documentary at Sotambe International Film Festival in Lusaka, Zambia.  

I honestly did not expect the reaction it got from all these platforms.  I then believed that the story we have is what people want to see and it was such a rewarding feeling knowing how difficult it was to produce the film. Now the film has been recognized in 3 international film festivals in 2 countries which is a huge milestone for me, my company and my team. The reaction has been good and promising, to finally realize that other people care about the same issues. 

Linnea Stokes, Education MA

Back in 2015 I completed my PGCE at York St John University. It is such a good feeling to be back at the Minster graduating, this time with a Masters in Education with Merit. 

After five years of teaching, I knew that I would benefit from further study, but didn't know exactly where it could take me. That’s when I found the general Masters at York St John, which allowed me to explore my options before specializing with my research project in my final year.  

There were many challenges to overcome during my degree, as my family was hit hard by the pandemic. It had a huge impact on the teaching community, demanding a mix of being in school with children of key workers, teaching and supporting learners and their families from home, on top of supporting my own children with their home learning and wellbeing.  

I am so proud to say I still managed to complete my research on an area of maths recognised nationally as a priority area. I undertook action research into the teaching of times tables and number facts which resulted in developing a cohesive and systematic whole school approach to the way we now teach and practice these skills across the school. This also included being accepted for a national programme for mastering number in Reception and Key Stage 1. 

Undertaking my Masters gave me the confidence to apply for and be successful in securing a Primary Mastery Specialist role with the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics). This will enable me to be classroom based but also to extend my interest in maths by developing an expertise in the mastery approach to teaching maths and lead workgroups to support other schools and teachers locally.   

Emma, Claire, Stephanie and Natasha, BA Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring

A truly inspirational group from the Class of 2022. Emma Goddard, Claire Streeton, Stephanie Anjos and Natasha Celecia created and ran wellbeing groups for students to support their peers across the University during the pandemic.  

And we’re proud to say they still work with the University now, each having secured coaching roles within York St John Communities Centre. 

“The pandemic was a challenging, chaotic and uncertain time for everyone. However, it also provided an opportunity to consider ways we could offer support to those who were struggling with isolation and loneliness.   

“Working alongside Professor Lynne Gabriel and my peers to create a wellbeing group for students was a really humbling experience. I feel proud to have been a part of the initiative which offered meaningful support and had a positive impact.” Claire  

“It was a privilege to journey alongside individuals throughout the pandemic and see them gain confidence and access tools to support their wellbeing. The groups that we worked with really valued the support and continued keeping in touch after the group had finished.  

“On our BA we were a small cohort with amazing supportive people. I have made friends for life and am thankful that my degree has gifted me with a fantastic skill set to take forward into my new roles.” Emma  

“We coached clients alongside the support groups and have personally received coaching on the degree, so have firsthand experience of how valuable it can be. So, to be able to continue offering coaching for wellbeing and mental health to the community is fantastic.  

“We're all really passionate about what coaching can do and how it can really help people, and although it might not be fully understood yet as a service, we're excited for it to grow at the Centre and help people in a different way, hopefully making a big impact.” Stephanie