Published on 11 July 2019
Sahima Begum, who studied her BA (Hon) English Language and Literature degree, picked up this year’s Blackwell’s Prize for Most Outstanding Student.
The annual award, organised through the University’s School of Culture is presented to a student who achieves the highest mark in their year group.
The 21-year-old said: “I am truly passionate about the subject, I find it one where I can articulate my arguments precisely and learn about so much beyond the subject itself such as history and culture.
“I was really surprised and delighted when I found out that I was nominated for the Blackwell’s award. My university experience could be a little stressful at times due to assignments but I was really happy to know that my hard work had been noticed.”
Sahmina says she found out about the course in Sunderland through various university talks and career evenings.
She added: “I came to find many enjoyable lectures and seminars through lecturers who were very enthusiastic about the subject.
“I hope to go into teaching after graduating, it’s always been a career that I’ve hoped to pursue.”
Steve Watts, Head of the School of Culture, said: "The School is delighted that Blackwell’s Bookshop has donated this prize to recognise outstanding student achievement in English Language and Literature at the University. Sahima had done extremely well studying with the English Team and is a worthy winner of this prize."