Edna Bannor: First generation student - studied Politics
Why did you choose to study at Kent?
Kent offered me a unique Politics that I couldn't find elsewhere, focusing more on International Relations and Affairs that I had come to enjoy from studying Politics at A-Level. I was also drawn to Kent’s diverse and inclusive environment, the strong support systems, and the exceptional partnerships the university has to study abroad as part of your degree.
I also loved the green but modern campus. Beyond that, Canterbury is also a beautiful historic town, also serving as a practical place for me to be a student moving away from home for the first time.
What did you like the most about studying Politics?
My favourite part of the course was learning about Political Philosophy/Theory and International Relations Ideologies. For some, it can be dry at first and hard to understand archaic nature of the arguments, but I enjoyed the diversity in arguments but also being critical and relating them to modern affairs. Learning about Liberalism and Realism were useful to apply in other modules such as Foreign Policy, one of my favourite modules in final year.
How did you feel about being the first generation in your family to go to university?
Being a first-generation student does not come easy. You became very aware of the challenges and barriers faced due to lack of access, connections and knowledge.
However, it does encourage one to seek out as many opportunities that my parents did not have. I felt that I came to university with a mission; to study an intellectually stimulating course and expand my knowledge, do a Year Abroad, become involved in extracurriculars and societies, make new friends and network, gain work experience to decide what career path suits me best. I am grateful to say with the support, blessings and wisdom from my family I have achieved and superseded my goals and ready to take on what is next!
What's your plans now that you have graduated?
I will be working as an Underwriting Assistant at The Hartford, a major U.S. insurer sitting in the Financial Lines team.
I’m looking to work in the Lloyd’s Market, which is quite different from High Street or personal insurance.
My degree has given me strong analytical, research, and communication skills, as well as the ability to evaluate global risks and trends.
What advice would you give to a prospective student?
I’d encourage students to be as proactive as possible. Seek out work experience (i.e shadowing, insight programmes, internships) early on, and don’t underestimate the value of getting involved in extracurriculars and societies. Grades are important, but activities like these can open doors you might not expect. Networking is also crucial; the connections you make during university can really shape your career path. At the same time, don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone.
Katie Whitewood: First generation student - studied Psychology
Why did you choose Kent?
I hadn’t received the exact grades I needed for my first choice and knew that staying closer to home didn’t mean limiting myself, so I released myself into clearing, where Kent felt right. I had visited the lovely campus many times with my school, and I felt very at home there, knowing my way around already. The clearing team made the process very calm and supportive from the start.
What did you like the most about studying Psychology?
Apart from reinforcing my existing interest in cognitive psychology, I loved the research aspect of the course. Whether it is conducting research yourself within your statistics modules or taking part in existing research studies as a participant to help other students, the whole process is really enjoyable. The School of Psychology is home to a range of research equipment, including EEG and virtual reality, which I would definitely recommend getting involved with if you are given the opportunity.
How did you feel about being the first generation in your family to go to university?
When I applied, everything felt very uncertain because I had no prior guidance on what to expect. Thankfully, my family did not place heavy expectations on me since they did not fully understand what university life entailed. This gave me the opportunity to experience university for myself and become more independent as I navigated things on my own. It was also quite daunting, not knowing what to expect or whether I had made the right choice.
Now that I have graduated, I feel very grateful for the chance to attend university and to make my family proud. At the same time, I can offer some guidance to my younger brother, who might start university in a few years - or perhaps not. I believe that figuring things out for yourself is what makes being a first-generation graduate so special.
What's your plans now that you have graduated?
Since graduating I have had the opportunity to continue my final year research through a bursary scheme that my final year supervisor recommended to me. Over the summer, I have also been developing a follow-up study to expand on my existing research alongside continuing to volunteer at various charities.
In the near future, I am likely to pursue a Masters degree followed by a PhD in cognitive psychology, and it is even more likely that I will return to Kent to do so.
What advice would you give to a prospective student?
Make the most of every opportunity you encounter, whether it’s out of your comfort zone or not, because you don’t realise how quickly time passes as an undergraduate. Use the support available to you; don’t be afraid to ask lecturers questions or reach out to wider university networks. Join those societies, apply for that on-campus job. Enjoy the whole university experience and do what your future self would be happy to look back on.
