Melisa Porter, MSc Education (Leadership & Policy)

I am from Jamaica and a proud alumna of the University of Bristol (UOB), School of Education (SoE). I’m also a recipient of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. My masters year was one of the greatest accomplishments in my life, as I worked the hardest, cried the longest, laughed the loudest, and felt the coldest weather!

Having worked extensively in the field of education, I am a Global Advocate for quality and inclusive education with specific focus on early childhood development and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). I have made it my mission to amplify the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, as this is how I believe the world will become a better place.

What made you want to study for an MSc?

Studying for a Masters degree has always been a childhood goal. Through the many exposures in diverse educational roles, I realised that I had a passion for education policy and leadership, and also, that my country’s education system had challenges in these two key areas. It was then, that I decided to equip myself with the requisite skills and knowledge by acquiring the MSc in Education (Leadership & Policy) at the University of Bristol. This decision was ideal, as it enabled me to meaningfully contribute to discourses and research in education policy, nationally and globally.

Why did you choose the School of Education, University of Bristol, for your studies?

I chose the School of Education, primarily, for the suite of courses that comprise the MSc in Education (Leadership & Policy). The synergy of these courses (policy, leadership, social justice, international development etc.) provided a multi-disciplinary, yet critical approach that is needed to tackle global challenges and foster inclusive and sustainable development with education at the centre. I discovered the calibre of academics, cutting edge research, and world-leading rankings that are associated with the University of Bristol.

Having completed the postgraduate journey, here’s why I would choose the University of Bristol all over again. The joy of having help from administrative staff and Professors/Lecturers, who call you by name even if you have met them once. A personal tutor that believes in you when you are at your lowest academically and emotionally - being thousands of miles away from home. The encouragement of a research supervisor who guides you in producing your dissertation.

I was given exposure to opportunities that accelerated my holistic development through volunteerism, academic and professional growth. Through my role as an International Student Ambassador, Course Representative and Senior Resident, I embraced the ethos of the University of Bristol through service and representation, by catering to the academic and social well-being of fellow students. I am extremely happy that I chose the UoB!

How has completing your MSc helped with your career or further education?

Having completed studies at the UoB, I have felt a great sense of accomplishment. Such confidence came through the wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences that were garnered throughout my studies. The intensive research rigour at the SoE prepared me for when I was selected to present at the Open University and the University of Cambridge graduate conferences, and later at the UoB’s seminar for Education Studies undergraduate students.

Representing the UoB through these avenues bolstered my career and created a larger pool of scholarly networks and partnerships to draw from. Also, the exposure obtained from Bristol PLUS provided the perfect opportunity of interning at ASDAN (an education charity), where my skills in educational policy and exposure to best practices in SEND were honed. 

These groundworks in policy analysis positioned me to critically analyse the Disability policy at the University of Technology, Jamaica, facilitate training for mature students’ in SEND and creatively manage the daily functions of the university’s early childhood institution.

Essentially, graduating with a Distinction from a world-leading university like UoB has established the right platform for pursuing further studies anywhere in the world.

And finally, do you have any advice or tips for people who are thinking about undertaking a Masters, or continuing their education?

Like anything else, when you aim higher things become more challenging and ultimately test the strength of your core; same is true for undertaking a Masters. Here are my top three tips for travelling on the Masters path.

1. Master Time –It was important to strike a delicate balance with my academic and social engagements, particularly, because one’s mental and physical health is pivotal to achieving success.
2. Establish healthy relationships – solid relationships assisted tremendously in completing my studies. I forged lasting relationships and networked with persons at school (academic groups), church (spiritual upliftment), and other social settings (entertainment) to aid the process in navigating university life.
3. No matter what attitude! – There were times when I felt like it was too much. Case in point, completing my dissertation, and sometimes feeling lost in learning the academic language. Nevertheless, I resolved that no matter what, I will finish. An important skill to acquire in life is ‘bounce-back-ability’- the ability to bounce back and achieve your goals, no matter what!

And finally, don’t forget to explore scholarships and grants that may ease the financial burdens that often come with successfully completing studies.