Looking back on my LSE experience
Melody Ama, graduating student and Stelios scholarship recipient, reflects on her LSE experience and what receiving a scholarship has meant to her.
The day I found out I had been awarded a Stelios Scholarship was a pivotal moment for my family and me. To say I am grateful for the financial support is an understatement, ithas been the backbone of my LSE experience.
I still remember my first day at the School, feeling so excited and grateful. The first year was a big shock to the system, I wasn’t expecting how quickly the content would start getting more difficult, and I certainly wasn’t expecting the exam season to take place in the midst of a global pandemic.
The second year was less hectic, but not less tiring than the first one. We were privileged to have some in-person classes in the first term, but we were all put back on lockdown on the second term and I got stuck in Aberdeen – with most of my things still in London! Studying remotely while balancing other commitments was largely manageable, but it began to take its toll on my mental health towards the end.
I entered my third year with determination and armed with the lessons I’d learnt from the first two years, and life in-between. These past months have been very focused on learning, as I wanted to immerse myself into LSE’s academia in my final year. It has been my favourite year at LSE, and I got the chance to do everything I wanted to do. There were some low moments, but I was better equipped to deal with the challenges. I’ve been involved in many activities beyond the classroom during my time at LSE.
As someone who loves participating in different things, I felt like a child in a candy shop when I realised the vast number of extra-curricular opportunities available at the School. These non-academic engagements have opened many doors and contributed to my personal development. I’ve also loved living and studying in London, and enjoyed making friends with people from all over the world.
Looking to the future, I’m excited about starting a promising career in investment banking. I am interested in merging my interests in sustainability with finance. And I have every intention to create my own scholarship in the future, and creating opportunities for students like myself to discover and achieve their full potential.
Melody Ama (BSc Economics 2022)