Farida Adamu, 37, chose to study Petroleum Energy Economics and Finance at the University of Aberdeen because of the "strong academic reputation, and its wide range of programmes and resources".
As she graduates with her MScEcon after a year of hard work, she reflects on her journey at the University.
“Despite receiving over 11 offers from universities in the UK, I chose to study at the University of Aberdeen because of its deeply rooted history and culture and its reputation as the oil capital of Europe,” Farida, from Nigeria, explains.
“I have come to love Aberdeen so much and I will deeply miss the King's Chapel courtyard. It has a certain magic about it, a timeless serenity that I found incredibly calming and inspiring. It was a place where I could truly focus on my thoughts and feelings, and where I felt most connected to the University's rich history and heritage.
“I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent at the University. It has been a truly transformative experience, both academically and personally.
“I have learned so much, not only about my chosen field of study, but also about myself and the world around me. I have also had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, both students and faculty alike.”
Like many of her peers, Farida has made sacrifices to make it to her graduation day. But, she says, it has all been worth it.
“During my time at Aberdeen, I had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned scholars and to conduct research in state-of-the-art facilities. I also had the chance to participate in a variety of activities at the Aberdeen Sport Village.
“I have always wanted to earn a master’s degree. It was a distant dream that I never thought would become a reality. But here I am, almost standing on my graduation stage, holding my degree in my hand. I can't believe it.
“I've worked so hard to get to this point. I've sacrificed countless hours of sleep and social time and I've pushed myself through countless challenges. But it was all worth it in the end.
“I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have earned my master's degree at the prestigious Aberdeen University. It's a symbol of my hard work, my dedication, and my accomplishments. It's also a steppingstone to a brighter future.”
Having gained her greatest achievement over the past year, Farida is excited to see what the next chapter holds for her.
“I am incredibly fortunate to be a graduate of the University of Aberdeen. My education here has prepared me for a successful career and has given me the knowledge and skills I need to make a difference and have a positive impact on the world.”