BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE: “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and to be making a difference”

British Judo athlete, Bekky Livesey shares her experience so far as a Paramedic Science student at the University of Wolverhampton.

Originally from St Helens, Bekky moved to Walsall in 2013 to pursue her athletic career at the British Judo Centre of Excellence based at the University’s Walsall Campus.

Bekky states going to university wasn’t initially ‘part of the plan’ but after thinking about her future beyond judo and understanding she could continue her judo career while studying – the University of Wolverhampton was the only place to be.

It was important to Bekky to have a career where she could make a positive difference in people’s lives and was inspired to study Paramedic Science after hearing lots of recommendations about the course.

However, Bekky realised she had missed the deadline for applications and contacted the University to explore her options.

She was then supported through clearing which Bekky describes as a really simple process and would highly recommend to anyone looking to apply to university.

Bekky said: “When I decided I wanted to apply for the Paramedic Science course, I discovered the application process had already started, so I called the Clearing hotline. Luckily they still had spaces, so l applied via UCAS and found out I was accepted in a matter of weeks.

“I’d really encourage anyone who’s thinking of going to university to apply via Clearing. Just because you’ve missed the deadline, it doesn’t mean you have missed your opportunity. Applying through Clearing is no different, you get on the same course, study at the same place – there’s literally no difference, so you may as well apply now instead of waiting until next year.”

To meet the requirements for her chosen degree, Bekky completed a foundation year in Paramedic Science before joining the BSc (Hons) course.

Now in her second year, Bekky is a student paramedic spending three weeks on campus at the University and three weeks on placement as part of the ambulance crew, while continuing her judo training.

Bekky says: “To be honest, I don’t see myself as the most ‘academic person’ as I didn’t get the best GCSEs or study my A-levels.

“But now I’m here, doing a course I love, I’m continuously impressing myself. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come - passing all my modules, handling serious jobs, and genuinely making a difference to people’s lives.

“I would recommend anyone who’s thinking of going to university to just go for it - if it’s what you want and you’re willing to put the work in – you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

Bekky and her sister Amy both study in the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton and as judokas, are both WLV Sport Scholars re-presenting the University when competing in championships across the world.

Bekky states there are so many bonuses being on the WLV Sport Scholarship, and although the financial support is beneficial, the genuine check-ins and support from WLV Sport staff are invaluable and the most important qualities that have a true impact.

To find out more about our WLV Sport Scholarships, click here.

• For anyone who already has the results of their qualifications, applications can be made through Clearing from Tuesday 5 July 2022.
• The University’s Clearing webpage provides further information on all the courses available in Clearing. Applications can be made either by calling the Clearing Team on 01902 51 8585 or through the University’s social media channels on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.  
• For anyone who is awaiting the results of their qualifications, they can register their interest and book a phone call with a Clearing Adviser on results day, Thursday18 August 2022.  
• For more information our next Open Day is on Saturday 20 August 2022.