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Hello. My name is Maxine and I am fundraising in order to fulfil my intention of studying an MSc in International Social and Public Policy at LSE in 2020/21. This would require enough funds to cover my tuition fees and living costs for a year in London after my postgraduate loan. My target is £16,000 which I believe is more than possible with your help.
Upon starting my undergraduate degree, I had no intention of progressing onto postgraduate study. However, as I began working on the racial attainment gap during my final year, I realised that my decision to stop at a first undergraduate degree spoke less to my ability and more to a structural inequality that discourages black graduates from continuing in academic paths.
Statement of Intention
I believe in the power of learning. I love the experience of developing and refining my arguments, particularly surrounded by others who are keen to also develop in this way. Academia offers an opportunity to broaden one’s horizons. So being offered a place on this programme is a privilege I do not take lightly. Having been given an opportunity, I am striving to make this a reality.
Education
In my education so far, I have enjoyed conceptualising viable solutions for issues of inequality with a good understanding for how power structures have been established. To this end, my LLB Law degree was intentionally multi-disciplinary and international. I also took open modules in English, Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies departments. Through these modules I was able to develop social science skills alongside my qualifying Law degree.
Work Experience
During my studies, it has been important for me to get a good understanding of exactly what I would like to do in my future. This has entailed me taking on varied work experience to see how I can best use my skills to realise my aspirations.
My first period of work experience I carried out during secondary school with Suelutions. At that time Suelutions had partnered with the Aldridge Foundation on the design of a tailored educational institution specialising in Marine Engineering - Newhaven UTC. I saw how education could be reimagined with innovative pedagogical methods, tailored to a different type of learner, providing practical and vocational skills.
Subsequently, I spent a short period with Super Being Labs, which gave me the opportunity to experience the inner workings of charity management. I transcribed personal interviews about the motivational experiences for the Being Mankind publication. I also undertook some work shadowing at Woodfines Solicitors branch in Milton Keynes. Volunteering for this established solicitors’ firm enabled me to see first-hand the experience of advising with clients on their legal rights and responsibilities.
In my final year at university I designed and delivered a programme commissioned by SOAS’ Widening Participation department. Bridging the Gap, aimed to address the racial attainment gap as it was manifesting at SOAS Law School. This included hosting focus groups, panel discussions, launching a mentoring scheme, and having structural conversations with some of the senior members of staff. This work helped me to understand the inner workings of large and intricate institutions. From here I was able to successfully present policy solutions to sensitive issues of racial awarding gaps and non-continuation – topical symptoms of structural inequality. As part of this work I drafted an 8000 word report, analysing SOAS’ race strategy and recommending methods to improve the situation across the university. A year after Bridging the Gap was initiated, the Law department was able to announce an eradication of its racial attainment gap. The project has been passed on to two subsequent student leaders and expanded to more departments.
Through this work I have contributed to national discussions around decreasing attainment gaps in higher education. I have spoken twice for Westminster Briefing, developing and presenting 20-minute talks followed by question and answer sessions by industry professionals. This required topical research on racial equality measures at different universities, and an evaluation of success. I have had to be creative in proposing potential reform ideas. Additionally I have spoken on two student experience panels for Universities UK on race equality themes.
I am currently working as the Co-President of Democracy and Education at SOAS Student’s Union. In this role, I have designed and implemented policy to improve democratic practices and student experience. I shortlisted and interviewed incoming staff. I have also updated websites, playing a key part in refining the tone of communications within our organisation. In order to obtain the role, I conducted a successful campaign, requiring me to develop a compelling manifesto; mobilise support; and deliver a speech as part of a hustings process. In this job I am the chair of the board of trustees for the Union, a charity with over 6000 members. This has meant that I understand the importance of finding compromise between ideology and institutional sustainability.
How Will This Help My Career?
At this early point in my life and career, I have contributed significantly to planning and policy making at an institutional level. I aspire to draft domestic and foreign policy that addresses emerging issues precisely, without unintended negative impacts for those with protected characteristics. This means that in the process of drafting healthcare policy, educational policy, budgets and law reform, I would like to advise on how to preserve strategic vision whilst accounting for practical and wider-reaching impacts. I am acutely aware that a comprehensive understanding of policy, in addition to my legal knowledge, will be essential for personal and professional credibility. The ability to understand how structural issues arise and provide viable solutions to these issues excited and intrigues me. I believe I can obtain such knowledge and relevant skill sets through studying International and Social Policy at LSE.
As I wish to apply my learning to national and international conversations, I envision that my study will positively impact the United Kingdom. Following a political period that has seen disparities between the richest and poorest increase, I aspire to contribute to thinking around how we can develop a British society in which our citizens can thrive. This would include the continued reform of our education system to produce graduates who excel internationally across the board. It would also mean encouraging community and strengthening healthcare provision to counter the current mental health crisis. Though I have already been part of the national conversation on racial equality in higher education, I would like to be able to broaden my critical perspective and design viable solutions more issues that we face today.
Please take the opportunity to consider donating. From £5 to £15000 whatever you can donate would be incredibly appreciated. It takes a village.
Thank you!
Maxine
Upon starting my undergraduate degree, I had no intention of progressing onto postgraduate study. However, as I began working on the racial attainment gap during my final year, I realised that my decision to stop at a first undergraduate degree spoke less to my ability and more to a structural inequality that discourages black graduates from continuing in academic paths.
Statement of Intention
I believe in the power of learning. I love the experience of developing and refining my arguments, particularly surrounded by others who are keen to also develop in this way. Academia offers an opportunity to broaden one’s horizons. So being offered a place on this programme is a privilege I do not take lightly. Having been given an opportunity, I am striving to make this a reality.
Education
In my education so far, I have enjoyed conceptualising viable solutions for issues of inequality with a good understanding for how power structures have been established. To this end, my LLB Law degree was intentionally multi-disciplinary and international. I also took open modules in English, Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies departments. Through these modules I was able to develop social science skills alongside my qualifying Law degree.
Work Experience
During my studies, it has been important for me to get a good understanding of exactly what I would like to do in my future. This has entailed me taking on varied work experience to see how I can best use my skills to realise my aspirations.
My first period of work experience I carried out during secondary school with Suelutions. At that time Suelutions had partnered with the Aldridge Foundation on the design of a tailored educational institution specialising in Marine Engineering - Newhaven UTC. I saw how education could be reimagined with innovative pedagogical methods, tailored to a different type of learner, providing practical and vocational skills.
Subsequently, I spent a short period with Super Being Labs, which gave me the opportunity to experience the inner workings of charity management. I transcribed personal interviews about the motivational experiences for the Being Mankind publication. I also undertook some work shadowing at Woodfines Solicitors branch in Milton Keynes. Volunteering for this established solicitors’ firm enabled me to see first-hand the experience of advising with clients on their legal rights and responsibilities.
In my final year at university I designed and delivered a programme commissioned by SOAS’ Widening Participation department. Bridging the Gap, aimed to address the racial attainment gap as it was manifesting at SOAS Law School. This included hosting focus groups, panel discussions, launching a mentoring scheme, and having structural conversations with some of the senior members of staff. This work helped me to understand the inner workings of large and intricate institutions. From here I was able to successfully present policy solutions to sensitive issues of racial awarding gaps and non-continuation – topical symptoms of structural inequality. As part of this work I drafted an 8000 word report, analysing SOAS’ race strategy and recommending methods to improve the situation across the university. A year after Bridging the Gap was initiated, the Law department was able to announce an eradication of its racial attainment gap. The project has been passed on to two subsequent student leaders and expanded to more departments.
Through this work I have contributed to national discussions around decreasing attainment gaps in higher education. I have spoken twice for Westminster Briefing, developing and presenting 20-minute talks followed by question and answer sessions by industry professionals. This required topical research on racial equality measures at different universities, and an evaluation of success. I have had to be creative in proposing potential reform ideas. Additionally I have spoken on two student experience panels for Universities UK on race equality themes.
I am currently working as the Co-President of Democracy and Education at SOAS Student’s Union. In this role, I have designed and implemented policy to improve democratic practices and student experience. I shortlisted and interviewed incoming staff. I have also updated websites, playing a key part in refining the tone of communications within our organisation. In order to obtain the role, I conducted a successful campaign, requiring me to develop a compelling manifesto; mobilise support; and deliver a speech as part of a hustings process. In this job I am the chair of the board of trustees for the Union, a charity with over 6000 members. This has meant that I understand the importance of finding compromise between ideology and institutional sustainability.
How Will This Help My Career?
At this early point in my life and career, I have contributed significantly to planning and policy making at an institutional level. I aspire to draft domestic and foreign policy that addresses emerging issues precisely, without unintended negative impacts for those with protected characteristics. This means that in the process of drafting healthcare policy, educational policy, budgets and law reform, I would like to advise on how to preserve strategic vision whilst accounting for practical and wider-reaching impacts. I am acutely aware that a comprehensive understanding of policy, in addition to my legal knowledge, will be essential for personal and professional credibility. The ability to understand how structural issues arise and provide viable solutions to these issues excited and intrigues me. I believe I can obtain such knowledge and relevant skill sets through studying International and Social Policy at LSE.
As I wish to apply my learning to national and international conversations, I envision that my study will positively impact the United Kingdom. Following a political period that has seen disparities between the richest and poorest increase, I aspire to contribute to thinking around how we can develop a British society in which our citizens can thrive. This would include the continued reform of our education system to produce graduates who excel internationally across the board. It would also mean encouraging community and strengthening healthcare provision to counter the current mental health crisis. Though I have already been part of the national conversation on racial equality in higher education, I would like to be able to broaden my critical perspective and design viable solutions more issues that we face today.
Please take the opportunity to consider donating. From £5 to £15000 whatever you can donate would be incredibly appreciated. It takes a village.
Thank you!
Maxine
Organizer
Maxine Thomas-Asante
Organizer
England
