Emily Barnwell

Emily is a 2023 graduate of LJMU, having studied psychology. She is one of thousands of students who completed their studies during the COVID-19 health pandemic, drawing upon their resilience, adapting to hybrid learning and making the most of their university experience despite challenging times.

Emily features in our ‘Graduates of LJMU’ miniseries, part of the ‘Humans of LJMU’ series in collaboration with the ‘Humans of Liverpool’ social media account, sharing the stories of the people who make our city, communities and university the vibrant, inclusive place it is in celebration of our bicentenary year.

In her interview she reflects losing her father before starting her studies and how proud he would now be that she has graduated.

Emily’s ‘Humans of LJMU’ interview

“My dad passed away just before I started university. We were really close. That changed my life. It bought my family closer together - dealing with the emotions and everything that comes with that.

“It was a rough few years studying during Covid. I didn’t know anyone for the first year, which was really isolating. It was only when we returned to in-person I got to make new friends.

“I’m now graduating with a 2:1 in my psychology degree. My family are so proud and I know my dad will be too. I think about him always. But especially today. He’ll be cheering me on.”