What person (real or fictional) or artistic work has had the biggest impact on your life? Why?

Darrell Rivers was a childhood friend of mine. Not in reality, but as a character woven together by popular children’s books author Enid Blyton. I first met Darrell at nine years old, I was a very nervous child, and the future filled me with dread, whereas Darrell was three years my senior and starting secondary school – not only secondary school, but a boarding school. Darrell was the epitome of the perfect schoolgirl to me. She easily made friends and excelled in school, what more could I ask for? I followed her six-year journey in a matter of weeks and found myself disappointed at the end of her school life. She had changed from my best friend to an unrelatable near-adult with plans and responsibilities and rational thinking. I could not understand how it was supposed to be a good ending when there were no more midnight feasts or petty squabbles, of course, I had not aged and was expecting the character to plateau at the level I felt comfortable at. I put this disappointment aside along with the books and decided that I would not find what I was looking for: a character that mirrored my life. Eventually, as the imminent event of entering secondary school encroached on my life, I found myself once again wanting to read Darrell’s perspective of secondary school. This time, I was not looking for friendship; I wanted instructions. I scoured those books for cues about the life I was about to be handed. Apparently, I was not only a nervous child, but a melodramatic one as well. Again, I did not find what I was looking for, I found something better. Darrell was nervous, too, however she never let this suppress her personality. She exuded confidence and always tried her best at what she was passionate about. She was a long way from the perfect schoolgirl that I had created in my head not too long ago, rather, she had flaws – many of them. I observed them, critiqued them, and made embarrassing connections between her behaviour and my own, such as her jealousy and impulsive decision-making. Despite these flaws, Darrell was well-liked, performed well in school, and had a promising future ahead. She improved herself – not to perfection, but to a better person than she had been. Where I initially found disappointment in Darrell’s finale, I now found hope and a desire to be similar to her. I did not want her life; I wanted her development. She ends school as head girl with a bright future ahead and is commended by teachers and peers alike. I noted her work ethic and I strived to achieve, I have confidence in myself, and I volunteer myself for new opportunities that will build the foundation of my future. I am now the age Darrell was in her last term at Malory Towers, I look back on all I have achieved and I am grateful for picking up those books again and longing for this character’s development.

What would winning a Crowd Scholar scholarship mean to you?

Being a Crowd Scholar acts as not only a financial bridge to supplement my studies at the University of Oxford but it also allows me to act as a role model for those in my community. Growing up in an under-privileged and under-represented background, scholars haven’t been in abundance. My current place of residence isn't secure in the sense that it is a temporary accommodation allocated by the homelessness prevention council and yet despite this, I was able to secure a place at a prestigious university. Being a Crowd Scholar gives me the platform to show those who come from similar backgrounds that their aspirations are more than achievable, hence being accepted as a Crowd Scholar would not only mean an immense amount to myself but also those in my community. I am from a rural area in North Wales with limited access to opportunities, such as work experience in the field that I want to go into (finance). I have already immersed myself in other programs such as The Seren Academy, The Cambridge Shadowing Scheme, and Young Women into Finance to try and combat the restrictions I have, and simultaneously advance my education with other qualifications to make myself a desirable candidate to both universities and potential employers. My Mum and her wife have pushed me my whole life to achieve to the best of my ability so that I have a good start in life. They have also led by example by going back into education to get further qualifications, despite having multiple disabilities. They graduated at the tops of their classes, and this had a positive impact on me as it showed how hard work and dedication pay off. My Mum particularly has been able to do her Master’s degree and her current PhD program purely due to scholarships. I want to open doors and access my potential early to demonstrate to myself that the hard work is worth it. The Crowd Scholar scholarship would enable me to focus on my studies without too much stress about the cost of living, but more importantly, it could help fund work experience trips (arranged with my mentor from the Young Women into Finance program) that I have had to miss out on due to the cost of travel and accommodation.

I am writing this personal statement on behalf of Kristen Woods, a driven and dedicated individual with a remarkable ability to learn and analyse new information. As her teacher, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth and development over the years and can attest to her outstanding qualities and potential.

From a young age, Kristen has demonstrated a passion for learning and a natural curiosity about the world around her. She approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and a willingness to put in the hard work necessary to succeed. Through her commitment and perseverance, she has consistently maximized her potential, overcoming any obstacles that come her way.

Kristen's analytical skills are second to none. She has an exceptional ability to break down complex problems and find creative solutions that others may overlook. Her attention to detail and critical thinking skills have been instrumental in her academic and professional success, and she has consistently demonstrated her ability to apply these skills in a range of settings.

Despite family pressures and other demands on her time, Kristen has always prioritised her education and personal development. She is a lifelong learner who is always seeking new opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills. Whether it's through pursuing advanced coursework or engaging in extracurricular activities, Kristen is committed to pushing herself beyond her comfort zone and achieving her full potential.

Beyond her academic and analytical abilities, Kristen has a lovely personality that is both caring and joyful. She is a joy to be around and has a way of making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. Her kindness and empathy make her a natural leader and mentor, and she has often been sought out by her peers for guidance and support.

In conclusion, I have no doubt that Kristen Woods would be a valuable addition to any academic program or professional setting. Her outstanding ability to learn and analyse new information, combined with her hard work, commitment, and lovely personality, make her a standout candidate for any opportunity she pursues. I highly recommend her without reservation, and I am confident that she will excel in whatever she sets her mind to.