What were you doing before you came to Keele?

When I graduated in 2011 I got a job at Standard Chartered Bank as a transaction banking officer and then later moved to another position as a business development executive.

Why did you choose to come to Keele?

There were three reasons:

• Keele had the type of environment similar to where I grew up; Njala University, where my father is working.
• Keele had a unique programme and my career aspiration seemed to fit with the programme that Keele was offering, so I felt it was the perfect choice to apply   for the course (MA Politics and International Relations - Diplomatic Studies).
• I saw the possibility of having funding by applying for the scholarship programme and being accepted by Keele.

Describe how you felt when you learnt you had received the Scholarship

In April Keele wrote to tell me that my application had been shortlisted for nomination and then a couple of weeks after I found out my application had not been successful, then in August when I was looking through my emails I saw a message saying that funding had become available and that I had been awarded the Commonwealth Shared scholarship, for me that was amazing and shocking. When I finally received the confirmation mail thereafter, I was sure and certain that I had received the award and I was very happy and overwhelmed and said to myself that my dream has come true.

How have your first few weeks been – what are your first impressions of Keele?

Keele is a very hospitable university and integrating into Keele is easy. The staff are very supportive and for me it has been very interesting and relaxing. Keele feels like a family university. I have found it to be very accommodating.

What are your hopes, dreams and ambitions for the year ahead?

Looking forward to completing the year successfully and to the days ahead when I shall return home to contribute to the development process of my country. Should I have the opportunity to pursue further studies for a PhD degree, I would choose Keele.