Steph Atkins
Steph Atkins combined studying for her
LLB Law (Hons) degree with working in a hospital at the height of the pandemic.
The former Evesham High School pupil told how she worked in the Accident & Emergency department at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital part-time as a receptionist on the front desk during her degree, including when the pandemic hit.
“Working at A&E in the pandemic was quite worrying, especially at the beginning as no-one really knew much about COVID and there were policy changes every shift so there was a lot to keep track off,” she said. “It was quite difficult emotionally because we were seeing a lot of really poorly patients come into the department, so studying could be quite difficult after a hard shift. Especially after a night shift! But I had amazing support from my team in the Emergency Department and my lecturers were all aware of where I was working and made sure to check on my wellbeing. I always felt well supported by my head of faculty who always ensured to ask me how I was coping and made sure to have conversations with me about how I was getting on.”
Steph achieved First Class Honours in her degree. “I couldn’t believe it when I opened my results to find I had achieved a first,” she said. “When I first started my studies I never believed I would be able to achieve a first, so I was over the moon.”
Steph is now going on to study a Legal Practice Course so she can go on to train as a solicitor.
“Worcester Law School gave me a chance to study law when other universities would not due to my lack of A-levels,” she added. “Worcester seemed more interested in my life and work experience and I was so grateful to be given a chance to achieve my dreams.”
During her degree Steph also achieved the Worcester Platinum Award, the highest honour given in an employability award scheme run by the University’s Careers & Employability team. She also volunteers weekly with Worcester Citizens Advice.
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