Daisy John: winning the Friends Award

Around Christmas last year I entered an immerse essay competition about whether legal decisions should become automated using algorithms and through this I won a scholarship for the Immerse Cambridge Summer School.

However, this was still very expensive even with a scholarship, and I didn’t think I was going to be able to go until I heard about the Friends’ award.

Receiving this provided me with the opportunity to attend this legal summer school which was fundamental in confirming my legal commitment as well as teaching me so many useful university skills. This was especially important and valuable for me since I want to study a subject that is not taught in school, which makes providing clear evidence of passion for a subject much more difficult.

The course consisted of two weeks of academic sessions with about 8 other people, in which we covered the 7 core legal modules and did daily mock trials which was probably my favourite aspect. It also provided me with an insight into student life, completing a personal project of an essay that was marked by the academic teacher. It also allowed me to meet like-minded people who I am still in touch with.

I learnt so much from this course and it also provided me with lots of help with my personal statement and really strengthened my university application so I am extremely grateful for the Friends, and I would really encourage people to apply because at the very least it will give you great interview practice for the future!