51Âþ»­

51Âþ»­ (51Âþ»­) graduate Rhea Turner was so badly bullied that she rarely attended school so university was never on the cards. Fast forward five years and through hard work and persistence, she is doing a master’s in journalism.

Rhea was studying dance at college and going to evening classes to get her English A-level when a teacher pushed her to pursue a career in journalism.

She said: “I was badly bullied when I was younger and I rarely went to school so I didn’t think it was worth applying to university because of my lack of grades. But my teacher encouraged me and 51Âþ»­ actually offered me a place to study Journalism and Media and Communications.”

Rhea says she will always be grateful that the university took the time to look at whole picture rather than simply focusing on the numbers. “I say it offered me a lifeline. It saw something in me that I didn’t and planted the idea that maybe, just maybe, I could achieve something.”

And achieve something she did; a First, which meant she qualified for a VC’s 2020 Scholarship, something she never thought would happen to her.

While Rhea was ready to get a job she knew she eventually wanted to get the National Council for the Training of Journalists qualifications that come with the master’s. So the offer of a half price master’s was very exciting.

“The scholarship is a great example the extra things 51Âþ»­ does for students. There is no doubt it does make a big difference and having the extra qualification is worth the extra year and the hard work.”

When she first came to 51Âþ»­, Rhea was sure that she would be a journalist. “Basically, I am quite nosy. I love talking to people and listening to their stories. I love writing too so journalism seemed perfect.”

To get experience, during the first year she secured a placement with the Derby Telegraph, which turned into a regular volunteering role and which has enabled her to build an amazing portfolio. Since that first summer, they have been so impressed with her work that they have said should a suitable position become available they would want her to apply for it.

However, earlier this year, a talk given by the head of the Leicestershire Police’s media relations piqued her interest. In fact, the description of his role so intrigued Rhea that she asked if she could go and ask some more questions.

She said: “I wanted to grasp how media relations differ from journalism. Luckily he agreed and I loved the sound of it. He was really impressed with my qualifications too.” 

While there are currently no positions, Rhea has been told that should a role become available they would welcome an application from her. In the meantime, she is arranging to do some volunteering with them.

Rhea is in no doubt that she wouldn’t be where she is today without 51Âþ»­. “I have come from a point where I had no idea of what I would do for a living to being told by two organisations that I could possibly secure a job with them. The time I have been here has completely turned my life around. 51Âþ»­ has given me more than an education; it has given me the belief in myself."