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The ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) is delighted to announce Aria Anderson as the recipient of this year’s Professor Alan MacFarlane and Sarah Harrison Prize in Anthropology Bursary, in recognition of her exceptional academic progress, resilience in the face of personal challenges, and commitment to using education as a tool for change.

Aria’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. Diagnosed with ADHD only in her thirties, she spent much of her life struggling without the support she needed. 

“School was a real challenge. I felt like I was constantly behind my peers, both academically and socially. Eventually, I came to believe that education just wasn’t meant for me.”

But during lockdowns, something shifted. With the encouragement of her family and a growing sense that she had missed out on something valuable, Aria made the life-changing decision to return to education. She enrolled at UWTSD to study anthropology, drawn to the subject by a lifelong curiosity about the diversity of human experience.

“Being neurodiverse can make it difficult to fit in; you feel like an alien among peers. However, this translates to a useful skill in the social sciences, as you’re more predisposed to looking at the world through a curious and critical lens. I have always been intrigued by the diversity in human behaviour and the question of what makes us human, which is what anthropology is all about.”

Despite her initial academic insecurities , Aria had a thirst for knowledge, and she wanted to develop her research skills. 

“Since starting university, I had my heart set on graduating with a first class honours, to prove to myself that I was capable despite my learning difficulties. I wanted to challenge myself and be able to grow as a person.”

With the expert guidance and unwavering support of UWTSD’s academic and wellbeing teams, particularly Nuala Davies and Alastair Walter, Aria developed the skills and confidence to work with her ADHD rather than against it.  She adds: 

“Their support was a lifeline. They helped me believe in myself, and I learned new strategies to manage my learning in a way that worked for me.”

Throughout her degree, Aria explored a wide range of fascinating topics that deepened her understanding of global cultures and belief systems. Highlights included Haitian Vodou rituals, Akan metaphysics, and Tibetan funerary rites case studies that kept her intellectually engaged and emotionally inspired.

Aria said:

“This course has helped me personally by improving my confidence in myself and my capabilities. I feel empowered to accomplish anything I put my mind to.”

Now a proud bursary winner, Aria’s achievements speak for themselves, but she’s far from finished. She plans to pursue a career in the criminal justice system, with a focus on supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse. The issue is deeply personal for Aria, and she is committed to making a meaningful impact. Eventually, she hopes to return to academia to pursue a Master’s degree and possibly a doctorate, researching violence against women and girls.

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476