Two ‘home wins’ for University Centre Shrewsbury graduate Zara

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Shrewsbury gymnast and coach Zara Morris was excited to study locally at a new institution and graduates from UCS with two ‘home wins’ – a First Class Honours Degree and a job helping to improve the lives of people across Shropshire through sport and physical activity.

Zara

Undergraduate Sport Management student Zara has already embarked on her role as a Graduate Trainee at Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin (STW), the county sports partnership and a local charity, where she worked as an intern during her studies.

She said:

“I’m really excited that I have completed my degree and am able to start working in my new role at Energize STW. I put in a lot of work and effort to achieve my result and I’m proud that I have been able to show that the hard work was worth it.”

She says she’s learned a lot and gained a range of skills since making the decision to study at UCS – a choice that she explains came naturally.

“I wasn’t sure about where to go to university, so had a year away from studying. During this year I started to notice promotion of new undergraduate courses at UCS and after further research, I decided I would apply. I didn’t want to go to a big city, or move away, and the idea of being part of something completely new, in my home town was exciting.

“Furthermore, the course was ideal. I have been involved in sport for as long as I can remember; I spent many years training as a gymnast before moving on to coaching. The more I coached, the more I became interested in the business and management aspect of sport. After being given more information about the course at an Open Day, I knew that this would be something I would be interested in – there were so many different areas of sport management to study. Because of this the course was engaging and innovative throughout my three years at UCS.”

Zara adds that there is a sense of sadness now she has completed her degree, but she’s happy to have gained the award, and to take her next steps. “I’ve met so many amazing people at UCS, which makes it harder to leave. Luckily, my new job is based at UCS, so I still have the opportunity to see everyone and, with my new work role, will be assisting with a few lectures, allowing me to continue some involvement in the Sport Management programme.

“It is an exciting, dynamic role, in which I will be involved with event organisation and will take the lead in working with volunteers and growing our volunteer programme. I am hoping to excel in my role at Energize STW and begin to put areas of what I have learned throughout my degree into practice.” Zara explains that the range of opportunities on offer at UCS, and the support from staff and peers, have played a big part in her success.

“There are so many opportunities available at UCS, from volunteering, work experience and internships, to involvement in the Students’ Union and setting up sports clubs and societies. Throughout my time at UCS, I was able to gain work experience with a local business consultancy, interned with Energize STW, and helped form and coach the UCS netball team. All of these opportunities have enabled me to learn so much and helped me to develop new skills.

“UCS is so supportive of students and any aspirations and ideas they have – I would encourage any students to get involved with the opportunities provided. There’s likely to be an ideal opportunity waiting and you never know what it may lead to.

“I would also recommend that any student makes the most of the support from lecturers and UCS support staff, which really is exceptional and which I wouldn’t have received anywhere else. They are always there to help with any questions or queries about your course, assignments, and university life in general.

“I was really pushed to do my best and put in 110%, while being given the opportunity to learn and work in various roles in numerous organisations. Without the support from staff, I wouldn’t have completed my degree with a First. I definitely think that UCS and, more specifically, my course lecturers did all that they could to help me achieve my aims and so much more.

“As a small institution, you soon get to know everyone pretty quickly and I have been so lucky to meet some fantastic people. UCS is like a very big, albeit slightly unconventional family, and the people I have met have shaped who I am today.”

Zara adds:

“It’s been a fantastic three years and I’ve loved watching the institution, and Shrewsbury, grow. Not only with the number of students, but also seeing the town connect with the new student population. Contrasting this, I have also enjoyed seeing people from other towns and cities make Shrewsbury their home and grow to love our town.”