Smiles and celebrations through sun and rain – it's graduation again!
By: Communications
Imogen La Chapelle – MBBS Medicine
Imogen, from Norwich, completed the Preparing for Medicine programme in 2019 before enrolling on MBBS Medicine. Later this summer, she will start her career as a resident doctor at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
"When I was 16, I discovered Preparing for Medicine, a widening participation programme to aid disadvantaged students to get into Medicine. I applied straight away and found myself at the campus residential a few months later. I had the most amazing time at this residential and instantly knew that UEA was the university for me.
"I’m really excited to finally put five years of hard work into practice and be able to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m very nervous too but I’ve had lots of support from UEA over the last year to prepare for this moment, so I feel ready to begin this next stage of my career."
Monica Curran – PhD in Health Sciences
"I wanted to use my experience from all of my life, and in my research and thesis, to show how any ordinary person – even when they are seen as sick and old, or are lower-paid care workers – can tell us how they want to be seen in their lives. They can show us how they can always put their point of view powerfully."
Bowen (Karl) Deng - BA in International Business Management (3+1 programme)
Bowen’s journey at UEA took him from studying at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, to graduating in 2025 with a BA in International Business Management from Norwich Business School on the 3+1 programme. Along the way, he discovered a love for Norwich and its people.
"Something that pleasantly surprised me upon arrival was just how pleasant and sunny the weather could be compared to the rest of the UK. It’s the sort of advantage you might not fully appreciate until you've experienced a British winter elsewhere, and it definitely makes daily life here brighter and more uplifting.
"But even more than the sunshine, it's the people who make Norwich truly special. From the moment I arrived, I've encountered nothing but kindness, warmth, and genuine friendliness from locals and fellow students alike."
Matthew Stothard – MA Early Modern History
Matthew, originally from Suffolk, completed his MA Early Modern History, whilst also finding the time to be Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Concrete – UEA’s student newspaper.
"I think Norwich is genuinely my favourite place in the world. I feel so at home and safe here, with so many happy memories dotted around campus and the city. It’s also the history lover’s dream with medieval churches for days – really there was no better place to study my degree!"
Gabriella – BSc Children and Young People’s Nursing
Originally from London, Gabriella was a self-confessed ‘quiet student’ at the start of her studies, but grew in confidence over the years, even being shortlisted for Student Nurse of the Year at the Student Nursing Times Awards, where she was described as ‘a role model for her peers’.
"I'm going to work as a nurse for the next year but then I've got a place to study Medicine at UEA in September 2026, which will be four years. Having trained as a nurse, I think I'll bring those personable skills and I'll understand the nursing role, as they spend more time with the patients than the doctors."
Shariff Hakeem – MA Education and Development
Shariff travelled to UEA from Ghana to study after securing a British Council Scholarship, and hopes to use his experience to make a meaningful change to the lives of marginalised young people.
"My journey to UEA started with a deep passion for education and social development in Ghana. I had spent years working in teaching and social change roles, witnessing first-hand how education has the ability to transform lives, especially in under-resourced communities.
"My future is heading towards research, advocacy, and policy development in education. I aspire to work in projects and programmes related to education and social justice issues, and eventually take up leadership roles where I can influence national and global educational systems. Long term, I envision creating programmes and initiatives that empower the next generation, especially young boys and marginalised youth."
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