Бывшая студентка колледжа из Ланкашира начала докторскую работу в Мичиганском университете

A former Lancashire college student is preparing to begin a PhD at one of the world’s leading universities. Chloe Bond, 25, from Colne, will study a joint PhD in English and Education at the University of Michigan in the United States. She studied her A Levels at Burnley College, receiving A*AAA in English language and literature, history, dance, and drama and theatre studies, before going on to study at the University of Cambridge. Ms Bond said: "I found a university course that was similar to what I was doing at college, and then I noticed it was at Cambridge. "I knew how competitive it would be and never thought I could go to Cambridge." But she secured a place, becoming the first in her family to pursue higher education. Ms Bond added: "My tutors were super supportive. "I would be knocking on the staffroom door asking them to mark mock exams all the time – they never said no to helping me and making sure I got the grades I needed." After Cambridge, Ms Bond went on to earn a master’s degree in children’s literature at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Her thesis analysed monstrous femininity through the music of Taylor Swift. She received an A+, the MACL Top Graduate Award, and the Judith Saltman Prize. On returning to the UK, she began a year-long internship with Burnley College’s marketing team. Ms Bond said: "This role has genuinely been so rewarding. "I think I had a very naïve view of what marketing was before I started this internship – I didn’t know how interconnected it is to everything that goes on. "It has been fantastic to give back in my own way." She was also invited to speak at the college’s annual Awards for Excellence, where she shared her educational journey. With her internship now drawing to a close, she is preparing to spend the next five years at Michigan. During her PhD, Ms Bond hopes to publish more of her work, with the goal of seeing her doctoral dissertation eventually released as a book. Read more House sellers in East Lancs end up cutting thousands from asking price Residents celebrate in North West postcode after Postcode Lottery win Plans for new restaurant and bar in Ribble Valley town linked to historic hotel She said: "My dreams have never been too big for Burnley College. "I’ve always been encouraged to follow my passions." For more information about how Burnley College can support your ambitions, visit www.burnley.ac.uk.