XCEL STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009
Ines Pajovic
University of the West of England (UWE)
BA Economics
WINNERS OF
Xcel Economics & Finance Student of the Year
Xcel Economics & Finance Student of the Year award
Ines was born and spent her childhood in Montenegro, during the last Balkan War. Besides coping with learning English, she has gone on to achieve both personal and academic success.
Whilst at university, Ines volunteered to help out other students through her university’s Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PAL), where she became a mentor.
Perhaps her university best sums up Ines in saying that “Ines has demonstrated that leadership is not just about ability, but about responsibility. We commend her for her determination, integrity and high level of engagement throughout her years at UWE.”
Like all of our winners, Ines humbly accepts her award: “In my opinion there are people who are worse off than me; who have had or still have terrible lives. This award is for them, for every single invisible person that has gone through pain.”
When asked what advice she would give to other students, Ines said:
“Everyone can follow. Don't follow me, take the lead of your life. You shape it your way because there is no best way. Be happy that you are alive and breath in the world and love it for what it is. Someone once said ‘love sets you free’ – I really believe it.”
How do you feel to have won your award?
I will be honest with you, even though I am sure you hear it all the time - I didn't expect to win. In my opinion there are people who are worse off than me; who have had or still have terrible lives, but the fact that people don't know them - makes them invisible. This award is for them; for every single invisible person that has gone through pain.
What does this award mean to you?
This award is a call telling me that it is worth it. It is worth trying, if you believe it - it is possible. And never ever give up - life on the planet Earth is so precious and it is all yours and you chose the colours with which to paint it. This award means keep going, you are on the right track. Yesterday is past, don't ever forget but forgive. Today there are people worse off (such as people in Haiti) and therefore you are lucky don't complain. Tomorrow.. well tomorrow is yet to come..
What advice would you give to students who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Everyone can follow. Don't follow me, take the lead of your life. You shape it your way because there is no best way.. You can't walk in my shoes as I can't walk in yours, but I can tell you one thing, one and only thing - spread love.. It is as simple as that, be happy that you are alive and breath in the world and love it for what it is.. Someone once said "love sets you free" - really believe it..
No-one can begin to imagine what Ines has had to overcome. She is already a highly successful individual.”
Luke Turnell, Director of organisers, SR Media.
