Mosope Adeyinka OQ (2016) has enjoyed a hugely exciting academic career since leaving Queenswood’s Sixth Form. Her undergraduate course included a semester at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and she has recently completed a Masters degree in Criminology at the University of Cambridge.

I took Spanish, Economics, English Literature and Government and Politics A-Levels at Queenswood. The most important aspect about the subjects I chose was the support from three teachers that I couldn’t forget: Miss Walsh, Mrs Scriven and Mr Daughton. I thoroughly remember having a tough time with certain aspects of Government and Politics and English Literature but I persevered through them with the unwavering amount of guidance and support from these teachers. 

Although I did not go on to pursue any of these subjects during my undergraduate degree, my A-Level choices sparked my inspiration for undertaking an interdisciplinary degree in Criminology and American Studies at the University of Essex. This course involves multiple academic subjects, and allows the flexibility to focus on a major that intersects into different fields. 

Fortunately, my undergraduate degree involved a semester abroad in the United States, which broadened my knowledge and view of life through my experiences there. I took classes in American History, Criminal Justice, Social Class and other subjects. After completion of my undergraduate degree, I realised how passionate I was to really make an impact and change through the US criminal justice system, which inspired me to embark on my masters degree in Criminology at the University of Cambridge. I strongly believe that if it wasn’t for my A-Level courses at Queenswood I wouldn’t have realised how I could subsequently combine a range of disciplines within a broader subject area. 

If there is one takeaway from my story, it would be to truly explore your options, as you never know where they will lead you. Never give up on your passions and interests, and always be your own cheerleader!