My scholarship benefits my studies because after I am done with my Master's, I'd like to do a PhD

What made you choose to study at Sheffield and your course?

I choose my course specifically because I want to change how Disability is perceived within the Music Psychology and research field. Music Psychology itself is a topic I find quite unique-ly interesting. I hope someday my research can help destigmatize us within the Disabled community, by the research being done and created from our lenses. I specifically chose to study at Sheffield as I loved the friendly, welcoming environment Sheffield has to offer. Within the application process, registration process, and more; the faculty on my course have been nothing but helpful, and available. The faculty, students, and community are nothing but such. Truly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The school also just had the masters I desired!

How did you research the University to find out about studying in Sheffield?

Funnily enough, I actually found out about this program through one of the music faculty members. We had been friends on facebook as she and I play the same instrument. After she introduced the course to me, I did a boat load of research, and realized the University was exactly what I was looking for.

What are you enjoying about your first semester?:

I am absolutely enjoying the culture here. As I’m American, our culture is similar but definitely far from the same. The shops in town are wonderful, especially the “ ma-&-pa “ owned shops. I enjoy spending time with my colleagues and the wonderful educational environment that my professors create within and outside of the classroom. It’s a very friendly, homey environment. As I am from the mountains and somewhere quite small; I enjoy being able to enjoy city life, and then go on the outskirts of Sheffield to see the peak district, and the beautiful parks. I absolutely adore it here.

How has (or will) the scholarship benefit your studies?

My scholarship benefits my studies because after I am done with my masters; I would like to go off and get a PhD/Doctorate. The scholarship has made it easier as I won't have to take out as many student loans for my MA. This scholarship is more money that I down the line can put towards future endeavours and educational betterment.

What advice would you give to a student considering studying at the University of Sheffield?

Advice to the international students: Go for it! Never in a million years did I think I’d be in a different country, in a different education system. I didn’t think I’d be here meeting so many different people, experiencing different cultures first hand, and the people I’ve met on my course I definitely see as life long friends. I know moving to a different country is big and scary. The worry of not making friends, not understanding the cultural values, etc. What I say to that is, go with the flow, and just go for it. The initial anxiety is worth it because you won’t ever get the experience, the people, and the cultures
you see and meet back ever again. The University of Sheffield is nothing but helpful, kind and welcoming. They helped me a lot along the process, and I would dare to say the best university I have studied at thus far in my education. For international students, definitely stay in contact with the international department. They will know right where to direct you to! Overall, go for it. Join societies, meet new people, go for nights out with your coursemates. It’s all worth it!

What do you hope to do in the future?

I hope after my studies at the University of Sheffield is to work towards a PhD/Doctorate program. My end goal is to become a professor of Music Psychology and do my own research. I am specifically interested in researching Disability (all across the board, but more specifically within the NeuroDivergent communities) and Music in a wide range of Music Psychology Topics. I hope my research someday changes the lenses on how we view disability, and break the stigma that leaves my community debilitated and unseen. I look forward to doing this.