Two bouts of major illness weren’t enough to stop Emma Hussain completing her studies – not only did she gain a First Class degree, she was also named Outstanding Student of the Year.
Emma, 25, graduated with a degree in Public Relations from the University of Sunderland at the summer graduation ceremonies. She was named Outstanding PR Student of Year, despite some major setbacks.
“To graduate with First Class Honours is an amazing achievement in itself,” says Emma, “but to be considered the Outstanding PR Student of the class of 2015 is a fantastic honour. It makes all of the hard work and determination I put into my studies worthwhile.”
Emma, from Peterlee, admits she did have “a few setbacks” during her studies. She suffered tendon damage in her hands, which restricted her ability to type for almost eight months, and then contracting an autoimmune disorder in the final stages of her studies.
She says: “The Journalism and PR team at the University guided and supported me during those times. They gave me the confidence to continue. The support at Sunderland is really fantastic.”
Andy Jones, Studio Manager at DDCA, who presented Emma with her award, says: “DDCA currently have four Sunderland PR graduates working on our team, so we are always proud to nurture young talent by sponsoring the award for ‘outstanding PR student of the year’.
“What a fantastic award to receive on such an amazing day, on behalf of myself and the team we would like to wish you all the best in your future Emma.”
Emma added: “Now I’ve graduated I can’t wait to begin my career.”