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Sophie Stanford
- History, Spanish, Law, EPQ

Sophie Stanford

I am immensely grateful to my incredible teachers at Holy Cross for their unwavering support and excellent mentorship. The college has had a lasting impact on my academic journey, playing an instrumental role in helping me discover and pursue my passions, ultimately leading me to where I am today.

My time at Holy Cross allowed me to pursue my interests and gain the confidence to aspire to a career in academia.

Studying at Holy Cross was an extraordinary experience that has profoundly shaped my future. The college’s supportive environment and dedicated teachers played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for History, Law, and Spanish. Their guidance and encouragement helped me excel academically, laying a strong foundation for my higher education journey, which has culminated in me receiving a full scholarship to undertake a PhD in History at the University of Manchester.

The rigorous academic training I received prepared me exceptionally well for my studies at the University of Manchester, where I achieved a First in BA History and a Distinction in MA History. These accomplishments, along with receiving the prestigious Dean’s List Award for being in the top 0.5% of graduates, are a testament to the quality of education and skills I acquired at Holy Cross.

One of the standout aspects of my time at Holy Cross was the exceptional language instruction. The language skills I developed, particularly in Spanish, have enabled me to self-study Russian and Japanese, both of which are crucial for my current PhD research.

The opportunity to undertake an EPQ at Holy Cross has also been incredibly influential in my academic journey. My project on Japanese American internment camps in Hawaii not only solidified my decision to study History at University but also directly inspired my PhD research on the Japanese American redress movement.

BA History at University of Manchester (First Class honours – Dean’s List)

MA History at University of Manchester (Distinction)

PhD History at University of Manchester (2024-2028)