Meet the M30s: Elijah Brough’s Advice for Choosing a Global Education? “Crack On”

Three words to describe yourself

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‍Driven, curious and principled.

When you began exploring colleges, what kind of academic challenge and real-world experience were you looking for, and what made Minerva stand out from more traditional universities?

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I wanted somewhere that would continue to teach me how to think rather than teach me what to think. I’ve never wanted to be told what to believe or what my limits are - going forward I know I’ll need to disrupt in order to achieve my goals.

Minerva stood out to me because it fosters critical thinking skills and allows its students to develop across borders. Minerva’s civic projects also interested me as they enable students to work within organisations while exploring the world’s opportunities, gaining essential hands on experience across industries. Overall, to me it was clear that Minerva paired real-world experience with personal development like no other institution.

How have your experiences as a Youth Ambassador and Grant Assessor shaped what you hope to study and the real-world challenges you want to address at Minerva?

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As the Youth Ambassador and a Grant assessor for the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire - I was part of a small team distributing several million pounds a year to local charities. These donations offered many of the most vulnerable in society a critical lifeline. Having had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impacts of these donations, I then understood how this opportunity was only as a result of individuals actively investing an initially modest endowment fund to generate deployable revenue.

Hence, this experience reinforced my belief, that the most significant differences can be made as a result of generating funds and using this as a tool for positive change. Therefore, I plan to major in business at Minerva, allowing me to gain the tools to create vast revenue and hold influence to make the greatest changes in our world.

What are you most excited to learn or experience during your first year?

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I’m most excited to spend more time with likeminded people. Cliche, maybe… but having spent the past week with this M30 cohort, I know that this university is different. From all 134 of us challenging each others views, brainstorming new business ideas and supporting each other in the most important moments, I recognise how important this Minervan community is going to be for me. Meanwhile, on the academic front, I can’t wait to get stuck in learning the 72 HC’s. These transferrable skills excite me, as I understand how valuable they will be for me as I go on to become an adaptable global leader.

What would you say to another student who is excited by Minerva but hesitant to choose a college experience that looks different from the traditional path?

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In Britain we say - “crack on” (in other words go for it). I know our generation’s future leaders are already graduating from this school, globally minded and internationally experienced. However, even if you’re not yet convinced on this, have the confidence that in the future your personal reputation will proceed your university’s. Minerva gives you a chance to spend your youth developing into a global pioneer, exploring yourself and the various cultures you’ll live in simultaneously - so I guess the only thing I really do have left to say is “crack on”.

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Ready to think critically, lead across borders and turn your ambitions into impact? Explore Minerva’s undergraduate program and start your application.