Nicole Jean-Louis

Attended the University of Bristol and graduated in 2022, having held a Beacon Scholarship for three years. Nicole, from Kenya, has now been awarded a ‘Think Big’ Scholarship to undertake an MSc Education (Policy & International Development), also at the University of Bristol.

Nicole graduated with a BSc in Education Studies, achieving First Class Honours and 92% in her final year dissertation. She obtained an 8-week summer internship in education consulting with the Premier Advisory Group, who also offered her a full-time graduate position. During her internship, her report which explored ‘The core tenet of a decolonial higher education’ was published online, with a follow-up Q&A session at Bath Spa University. She has since been approached to help co-write a chapter in a book with a lecturer at the University. She also won £200 at the ‘Festival of Research’ where she presented her summative research topic about the manifestation of creativity in the Kenyan curriculum.

She played hockey during her time at University, and her team won their league; Nicole was voted ‘player of the match’ in the final game. She also played intramural netball games, ran the Bristol 5K race and went to the gym as part of her fitness plan.

Nicole was a Global lounge ambassador and completed training on the Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) leadership scheme, which helps support first year students pastorally and academically to adjust to university life. She fundraised and successfully had hockey equipment donated and shipped to Njoro High School for girls in Kenya. Nicole additionally used this project to educate people and combat stereotypes about her country, as well as discuss the challenges the young girls faced.