Xara

Xara (2016, Elizabeth) received a bursary for the Sixth Form in 2014.

During her two years at CLC, Xara was a Prefect, she ran the Junior Creative Writing Club, and founded the Feminism Society. She graduated from the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar and a Wagenheim Memorial Scholar with a First Class Honours degree in Modern Literature and Culture and a minor in Urban and Environmental Planning. Xara is now studying for a PGCE at the University of Cambridge, St John’s College.

"I am still in touch with College as a Guild member and I have really valued that connection throughout my time at university.  I suspect it will continue to be a source of support and inspiration as I begin my career in teaching and beyond.

When I look back at my Sixth Form years at CLC, I am most grateful for the friendships I had with girls and staff which I continue to enjoy.  I travelled widely during the second year of my degree and there was always an opportunity to look up Guild members in whatever country I was in.  When we were all together at College, we had wonderful, insightful, stimulating conversations that helped me really think about who I was and who I wanted to be in the future.  I loved having access to Cheltenham town and the Literature Festival which spurred me on to study English Literature.

In interview situations, I think I have been able to convince people that I want to learn and that I am passionate about my subject, but also that I want to be a good citizen and to engage as usefully as I can in society.  This was something that College very much encouraged through its brilliant extra-curricular programme and its support for pupil-led initiatives.

I am excited about telling my Beale Story!  I would like to encourage everyone to support the Awards if they can and I hope that my experiences will help to convince people that the opportunity of two (or more) years at CLC is the best possible preparation for adult life".