From Cyprus to the US, via LSE
In 2021, Emily Petrou received the life-changing news that she would be the first recipient of the Goldman Sachs-Kyri Loupis Scholarship. Thanks to the generosity of Kyri Loupis (BSc Accounting and Finance 1993), who established the scholarship in 2020, Emily has been supported throughout the three years of her BSc Politics degree, which she hopes will lead her into the diplomatic world.
As she prepares to graduate from LSE this summer, with offers already coming in from prestigious US universities to study her master’s in international relations, Emily has reflected on her time at LSE and the positive impact the scholarship and the relationship she has built with Kyri has had on her experience.
I have had a blast in London for the past three years and Kyri has fully contributed to that. I would not have been able to open my horizons like I have, were it not for him. It is not just the financial aspect but the general catchups we have and the mentoring he provides, which have all been helpful for my studies. Kyri has made a dream of mine come true and set me up the best way possible for the future.
Kyri was inspired by his own time as an LSE student to create this endowed scholarship to support undergraduate students from Cyprus or the wider EU through three years of study at LSE.
Personal experience has cultivated a sense of giving back for me. Having grown up in Cyprus, then coming to London for LSE, and then moving to the US and succeeding there, I had to recognise the first part of my journey. I was hoping I could have a significant impact and change the culture of giving. LSE definitely chose the right person for the scholarship. Emily stood out and I have been able to see her evolution, which has been amazing. I have really enjoyed the entire process of getting to know her.
Emily and Kyri have built a great rapport over the years, especially as they are both Cypriots living abroad. Their conversations have included topics such as the importance of setting tangible goals, career aspirations, family life and, of course, politics.
In addition, they both followed in the footsteps of family members who had studied at LSE before them. While Kyri’s cousins would share their fond memories of being at the School, Emily’s older sister recently graduated from LSE, and it was these familial experiences that inspired them both to also undertake their studies in London.
There was no question in my head about where I was going to end up. I was destined to go to LSE. There were three key areas of my time at LSE that were of real benefit to me. First, London and what that represented to me. Second, the people I was exposed to and who really helped to develop me as an adult. And third, the academics who shaped me as an individual.
There were many reasons why Emily was keen to study at LSE. From the international prestige to the structure of her course, Emily has fully appreciated the experience.
I was really happy to receive the email sharing that I had been awarded the scholarship. I immediately told my parents, and they were so excited my achievements could be celebrated in this way. My classes, the people I have met and the societies I have joined, have all been fantastic. I will be leaving LSE with a heavy heart.
