Meet Shannon

After receiving a donor-funded scholarship, Shannon Hood, a Foundation Year student at St Cuthbert's Society, shared her journey to Durham and the transformative impact the scholarship has had on her university experience.

A Passion for History, Rooted in the North East

Growing up in a small village in Northumberland, Shannon’s love for history was inspired by the stories she heard within her community, stories that sparked her passion for understanding the past through a critical lens.

“I’ve always been fascinated by political history,” Shannon says. “When I joined Durham’s Supported Progression programme, we debated everything from the Suffragettes’ tactics to trade union protests and Irish Home Rule. That focus on challenging dominant narratives and looking at history from different perspectives is exactly what drew me to Durham.”

Finding Her Place and Her Confidence at Durham

Thanks to a scholarship funded by Durham alumni and friends, Shannon has been able to fully immerse herself in university life.

“The scholarship allowed me to buy my rugby kit and join my college team, something I’d always wanted to try but couldn’t afford. That experience gave me the confidence to run for a JCR election and take part in college traditions like the Winter Ball,” she says.

These moments of belonging and confidence have had a lasting impact, giving Shannon a sense of purpose both inside and outside the classroom.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

One of the most significant ways the scholarship changed Shannon’s life was by funding a specific learning difficulty assessment.

“That led to my diagnosis of dyslexia and dyspraxia,” she explains. “It was a turning point. I finally understood how I learn best, and I’ve been able to adjust my approach to studying. I also used the scholarship to buy a laptop, which has made organising my coursework and weekly schedule so much easier.”

Looking Ahead

Thanks to her scholarship, Shannon isn’t just studying history, she’s living it, questioning it, and preparing to shape her own future.