Luke was a participant in the US Programme in 2020, and has since gone on to Major in Economics at Dartmouth College over in the states. We caught up with him on how the Sutton Trust helped contribute to where he is today.

Tell us a bit about your background…

“I am from Seaham, a small mining town in the North East of England. I went to the only secondary school in our town, and had a relatively normal upbringing for my area. I always enjoyed learning, however, and always felt that if I pushed myself I could do more than was seen as possible for myself. Though it seemed out of sight, I always grew up with the desire to move beyond the expectations of the town I came from. I also however carried many values with me from my hometown, as my upbringing gave me an appreciation for anything I get in life, and ensured that I am always grounded.

Currently I am studying at Dartmouth College in Hanover NH. I am looking at a major in Economics with hopefully another major alongside (the subject of which is still undecided).”

How did you hear about the Sutton Trust and what led you to apply?

“Honestly I was going to apply to the UK summer schools program but got bored doing the application (it took a long time), and out of the corner of my eye saw the advert for the US program! I wasn’t too excited about UK university, but reading the US advert I discovered exactly what I wanted to do!”

What do you remember about your time on your Sutton Trust programme?

“It was awesome – though virtual I made so many amazing and close friends, and from day one I felt as though I had been brought into a family of like-minded people. The staff were immensely helpful and caring, and I spent every second of every residential on the edge of my seat with excitement!”

Did you know what you wanted to do for a career before university? Did your Sutton Trust programme (or anyone you met through it), help shape that decision?

“I had honestly no idea I would end up looking at doing economics. I originally was looking at engineering, but through access to the liberal arts system I was able to find out that I actually had a love for economics! I certainly wouldn’t be doing this without going to the US, and therefore without the Sutton Trust US programme.”

If, like Luke, you’d like to share your story with us – just get in touch with the Alumni team at [email protected].