Rachael Crossey - LL.B with Criminology
If there is one thing I will take with me from the University of Derby, it will be to work hard but play harder, always stand up for what you believe in and, most importantly, forever strive to make the difference.
”Rachael Crossey is from Northern Ireland and studied the LL.B (Hons) with Criminology at Derby. She graduated in 2010 with a first class degree and also won the Alpheus John Robotham Prize for Exceptional Contribution to University life.
Winning the award
I'm delighted to be awarded the Alpheus John Robotham Prize for Exceptional Contribution to University life) for 2010.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Derby over the last three years. I've been the Vice-President and Acting President of the Law Society and been key in its revival, a first year representative and a third year mentor for the Law Society and we won Committee of the Year 2008-9. I've been Chief-Editor of the Class of 2010 yearbook, a student ambassador, I won the award for Business, Computing and Law Faculty Ambassador of the year, I received university colours for my contributions to the Law Society. And I achieved a First Class Honours LL.B degree. It's been a very eventful three years.
Studying at Derby
There will always be highs and low through anyone's university career. For me it was the all-nighters trying to do assignments with constant cups of coffee, the frustration at figuring out the seemingly impossible legal issues, the panic and nerves before any advocacy assessment, and discovering that I have dyslexia.
However, the good points have always outweighed the difficult. I've met the best people here, friends and lecturers who have become an integral part of my life now. The skills and knowledge I've obtained through moots, cross-examinations and advocacy in Derby's brilliant setting of a fully functioning Courtroom has been outstanding. Finally, the overall experience at the University of Derby has shaped my character and my principles with regards to the law.
Derby has given me strong foundations which I can use to build my future. Not only that but it has inspired me to do so. If there is one thing I will take with me from the University of Derby, it will be to work hard but play harder, always stand up for what you believe in and, most importantly, forever strive to make the difference.
The future
I am currently reading my LL.M in Human Rights and Criminal Justice at Queens University, Belfast, whilst working part time, and I am hoping to go on to do my PhD. I then plan to go to the Institute of Professional Legal Studies to become a solicitor or barrister specialising in cases regarding human rights, and the Ministry of Defence.
