XCEL STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009
Emma Cranmer
University of Huddersfield
BSc Social Work
WINNER OF
Xcel Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Year
Xcel Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Year award
Emma began her studies having already been designated a young carer by her local social services, and has continued to provide family care whilst studying what is described by her university as “an academically and professionally very challenging degree.”
It is perhaps her personal experience and the skills she has already developed that saw her pass her assessed placements with such a high level of praise. At a time when caring and social work can often seem to be the victim of press attack, Emma is demonstrating why any civilised society needs people like her.
“I am very excited to have won the Xcel Student of the Year Award for Humanities and Social Sciences. When you go into a career like social work at such a young age, I always feel you have that little bit more work to do, that aims to reassure the service user you are adequate enough to work with their situation. This award has really made all that little bit more work worth it!”
Emma said that winning her award was especially important to her because she nearly didn’t make it to university: “I always struggled with academic work at school, where my brother was the opposite and exceeded all his goals. I was encouraged to consider university by my brother and my college tutor, but before then I had been led to believe that university wasn’t for me! To have been presented this award has finally made me realize that university IS for me and I can do it!”
“University is a life changing experience. I think the most important thing is to be honest to yourself and others. There were a couple of times I felt too overwhelmed by the course and had to be honest to my tutor about this and seriously discuss whether I should continue my study. I think if you’re honest about your own experiences and feelings, and know your own limits both academically and stress wise people will understand you as a person better, and appreciate times you have exceeded those limits and been an outstanding student.”
To complete degree studies in social work whilst being a career yourself shows remarkable stamina, maturity and dedication.”
Luke Turnell, Director of organisers, SR Media.
