Eliza Bourke: A Rising Voice in Education and Wellbeing
Eliza Bourke represents a new generation of students and aspiring professionals who are determined to bridge the gap between education, mental health, and social equity. Currently in her third year of an Education BA at Goldsmiths, University of London, she has set her sights on a public sector career that combines her passions for learning, wellbeing, widening participation, and social care. Her journey so far reflects a strong commitment to social justice, inclusive education, and the belief that every learner should have the tools and support to succeed.
Early Academic Path and Interests
From an early stage in her academic life, Eliza demonstrated a deep curiosity about how educational systems shape individuals’ futures. Her choice to study education at Goldsmiths was rooted in a desire to understand the social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence learning.
Goldsmiths, known for its critical approach to education and social sciences, provided Eliza with the ideal environment to explore these themes. Through her studies, she has gained a strong foundation in education theory, policy analysis, and child development, while also engaging with contemporary debates on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Commitment to Widening Participation
One of Eliza’s core professional aspirations is to work in widening participation — a field dedicated to ensuring that students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds have equal opportunities to access higher education.
Understanding Barriers to Access
Eliza’s academic work has included exploring the various barriers that prevent certain groups from entering university, such as:
-
Financial constraints
-
Lack of guidance or mentorship
-
Systemic bias in admissions
-
Limited access to quality schooling
Advocating for Change
She believes in evidence-based strategies to reduce these barriers, such as outreach programs in schools, mentoring schemes, and targeted scholarships. Her interest in this area is not only theoretical — she envisions herself actively designing and implementing such programs in the future.
The Link Between Education and Mental Health
Eliza’s academic focus extends beyond access to education — she is particularly passionate about the intersection between mental health and schooling.
The Overlooked Connection
She recognises that a student’s emotional wellbeing has a direct impact on their academic performance and long-term life outcomes. Issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can hinder learning, yet these are often under-addressed in educational policy and practice.
Promoting Mental Health Support in Schools
Her vision includes advocating for:
-
Comprehensive mental health education as part of the curriculum
-
On-campus counselling and peer support networks
-
Teacher training to identify and support students in distress
Through her studies, she has examined models where educational institutions work hand-in-hand with mental health professionals, aiming to create holistic environments where students thrive both academically and emotionally.
Experience and Skills
While still completing her degree, Eliza has been actively developing the skills that will serve her in her future career.
Academic Research Skills
Her university work has strengthened her ability to analyse educational policies, evaluate research, and engage critically with data on student outcomes.
Communication and Advocacy
Through seminars, presentations, and group projects, she has honed her communication skills — a vital asset for anyone seeking to influence education policy or work in public engagement roles.
Interpersonal Sensitivity
Eliza’s interest in wellbeing and social care reflects a high level of empathy and interpersonal understanding. These qualities position her well for working with vulnerable populations in both educational and social service contexts.
Future Career Aspirations
Looking ahead, Eliza’s career goals are firmly rooted in the public sector.
Education Sector Roles
She is interested in working within:
-
Higher education outreach departments
-
Local authority education services
-
National education policy teams
Mental Health and Wellbeing Roles
Given her focus on the mental health–schooling connection, she is also drawn to roles in:
-
Student wellbeing services
-
Community mental health programs for young people
-
Charitable organisations supporting educational mental health initiatives
Social Care Opportunities
Her broader interest in social care may lead her towards roles where she can influence both the educational and personal outcomes for children in care, refugees, or families facing economic hardship.
The Value of an Education BA from Goldsmiths
Goldsmiths’ Education BA program is known for blending academic theory with practical application. For Eliza, this has meant:
-
Access to modules on sociology, psychology, and pedagogy
-
Opportunities for community engagement and school placements
-
Exposure to critical debates around social justice in education
This foundation equips her not only with subject knowledge but also with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in policy, advocacy, and student support work.
Long-Term Vision
Eliza’s long-term vision is clear: to make the education system more inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of all students. She hopes to work on initiatives that:
-
Expand access to higher education
-
Improve mental health services within schools
-
Create more equitable outcomes for disadvantaged learners
Her blend of academic knowledge, personal values, and professional ambition places her in a strong position to become an influential voice in education and wellbeing policy.
Conclusion
Eliza Bourke is more than just a student — she is an emerging advocate for inclusive education and mental health awareness in the public sector. With a unique combination of empathy, academic insight, and a passion for social change, she embodies the qualities needed to address some of the most pressing challenges in the field.
As she completes her degree and steps into the next phase of her career, Eliza’s commitment to improving educational access and student wellbeing signals a promising future — not just for her, but for the communities and individuals she aims to serve.
