If you want to achieve something Anjolaoluwa (Aj) knows it takes hard work and determination.
Fortunately for the 17-year-old from Stockton, it seems she has got that in spades.
During her time at Bede Sixth Form College that work ethic has already seen her achieve so much, not least awarded a High Commendation in the Psychology category of the John Locke Institute’s 2024 Global Essay Prize.
Committing to the 2000-word assignment, on top of her existing workload studying A level Chemistry, Biology and Psychology at Bede, she said: “It was something I wanted to do for the enjoyment, not just for my personal statement.”
Tackling a hard-hitting question around depression in young people, how it develops and ways to prevent it, she said it felt like a subject that mattered, and she had plenty to say about.
The John Locke Institute’s Global Essay competition is open to those aged 18 or younger and invites applicants to answer “thought provoking questions” that push beyond the realms of their course syllabus.
With seven subject categories – philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology and law - its aim is to promote independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive arguments.
All essays are read by an independent panel of judges and a winner selected from each category.
In 2024 more than 35,000 people registered for the competition and just 3% of those received a High Commendation, Aj was one of them.
On reading her essay, psychology teacher at Bede, Sarah Murray, said: “It was so evident how much quality research she had done, the breadth of the high-quality content and really addressing the structure of the question.”
Originally from Nigeria, Aj said working hard and embracing new challenges are things she has grown up with.
“It is about making the most of experiences,” said the former Grangefield Academy student who just months after relocating to the UK with her family picked up a string of GCSEs at grade 8 and 9.
In her first year at Bede, she was nominated for and won the Academic Excellence Award at the Taste of Africa North East Black History Youth Awards and has also took part in work experience FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies.
Now with thoughts well and truly focused on university and with exciting opportunities ahead, she knows what she needs to achieve and has the commitment to get there.
She said: “Now that I know what I need to get, the pressure is on!”
Well done and good luck Aj.
