Post by Freya McNicol

I am thrilled to share that I have graduated from Durham University with a First Class Honours degree in Economics with French. Looking back over the past four years, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities, challenges and people who have shaped my university experience both at Durham University Business School and FEG - Faculté d'économie et de Gestion Aix-Marseille Université.   Academically, I am particularly proud of achieving 76% in my dissertation, where I investigated the impact of oil discovery on women's economic outcomes using advanced econometric techniques, including synthetic control and difference-in-difference-in-differences models.   Outside of my studies, I was fortunate to compete and perform with Team Durham Gymnastics and Trampoline and Durham Divas Cheerleading. However, many of my most meaningful experiences came through Collingwood College, Durham University. As Co-President of Collingwood Cheer, I had the privilege of leading the club and establishing an award-winning outreach programme. It was an honour to also receive a Collingwood College JCR Outstanding Contribution to College Award and to be selected as a graduate speaker, two moments that made graduating even more special.   Graduation also marks the end of almost seven years of coaching gymnastics at Wentworth Leisure Centre with Places Leisure. This past year, alongside my studies and university life, I have coordinated and coached a recreational gymnastics programme for more than 200 young gymnasts while supporting the development of coaches. Watching so many young people grow in confidence and ability throughout my time coaching has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, and I wish them every success in the future.   In September, I am excited to return to Canary Wharf to JPMorganChase within the Corporate and Private Side Sales BM team. I look forward to building on everything I have learned throughout my time at Durham University and beginning this next chapter. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, including my dissertation supervisor Diego Mariño Fages, College Principals Joe Elliott and Thom Brooks and my co-President Flora Kanan.