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When did you join Lancing College?
I joined Lancing in the Sixth Form, however I was a little late in joining and the way it happened was very unexpected. A year before joining the College, I was playing for Brighton and Hove Albion FC at Youth Level and it was around this time that I first spoke to Mr Crowe (former Director of Sports), who told me about the opportunities at Lancing. Initially I was impressed, but after leaving Brighton at 16 I decided to continue my career up north at Chesterfield FC, where I played full time for a few months. That ended shortly because I missed education dearly and was not yet ready to give it up. That’s when I got back in contact with Mr Crowe; both him and the College were very accommodating and I was able to quickly and easily fit into Lancing life.
What subjects did you study for A Level?
I have always loved the sciences and so it didn’t take me long to figure out that I wanted to study Biology and Chemistry at A-level, along with Maths and French. This combination of subjects proved to be diverse and challenging enough that there was never a dull, nor easy, moment, but it was all very rewarding at the end.
Where did you go to university and why did you decide to study there?
I decided to take the wonderful opportunity to study abroad at Georgian Court University in America in the state of New Jersey. I now study Biology with a focus in medicine, which will prepare me for my postgraduate application for medical school here in the States later.
Why did you choose to study at an overseas university?
Along with my football background, my academic standing greatly helped me find a good university. Since 2018 I have been studying in the US as what they call a Student-Athlete. Being a Student-Athlete allows me to experience both the competitive environment I have enjoyed growing up in, and also pursue a challenging degree to help me set a solid foundation for my future endeavours. This synergy is something that is unique to studying in America, so it seemed a perfect fit.
How did Lancing support you in your application?
I was very close with Mr Crowe throughout my time at Lancing and it was him who suggested I should apply for a scholarship to study in America. Mr Crowe was instrumental in helping me to get the scholarships I needed in order to afford to study abroad. Coming from a modest background, the support I received greatly relieved the stress of the university fees and allowed me to focus on the important things, my academics and my sport.
How have you found the experience so far?
Thus far, my own experience abroad has been full of excitement and venture to which I would not have been exposed to back home. From attending the CACC Soccer Championship Final in Connecticut, to travelling to Texas where I attended an APPLE alcohol awareness and leadership conference. There have certainly been plenty of fun, yet didactic, events sponsored and facilitated by the university. Understandably, it’s a challenge and choosing to study abroad is a big decision to make, but the opportunity to challenge myself both on the field and in the classroom is something I value and continue to enjoy.
What advice would you give to a current pupil interested in applying to an overseas university?
Thankfully I have been able to meet several other students from different parts of the globe here at Georgian Court University, and the same mantra is repeated by all of them, ‘Just do it’. And it’s true, overcoming those first thoughts of trepidation truly makes the experience even more valuable and worthwhile.
What are your plans for the future?
I have been studying Biology/Pre-Med here in America, and the system here means I can then apply for medical school after graduating in the next year or so. I am currently preparing myself for the application by doing an internship at the local hospital and focusing on studying for my degree. Short term however, I also have a goal of winning the country wide Soccer Championship which is a great task, but as a team we have come close before and it would be amazing and a huge personal accomplishment to get that sort of nationwide recognition for soccer.
Do you keep in touch with friends from Lancing?
Fortunately, I made long lasting friendships at Lancing and I keep in contact with several students. I was even visited by a close friend from Lancing here in America and we had a weekend in New York together.
What advice would you give to a new pupil who is about to start at Lancing?
Be courageous and ambitious in whatever you do, and by bringing yourself and an open mind to all your goals marks the first step towards taking control of your future and making the most out of the opportunities available.