Cristina Polisnelli NAFKU Canada Scholar 2012-20013

2012-2013 MA Criminology and Criminal Justice

Cristina at Keele Hall Cristina Polsinelli is the recipient of 2012-2013 NAFKU Canada Scholarship, which was created by the generosity of our alumni in North America. She graduated from Windsor University in Ontario in 2012. She spent one semester at Keele as a Study Abroad student in 2008. We met Cristina a few weeks into her Master's course to see how things are going.

So, Cristina, what are you doing at Keele now?

"I am doing a postgraduate course - MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I have always found the subject fascinating - I remember it was sparked off as a child when I read about Jack the Ripper. On my first trip to England I walked around Whitechapel but this year I plan to track down a Jack the Ripper guided tour in London!"

How did you first hear about Keele?

"In my second Year at Windsor (Ontario), I decided to do an overseas exchange. My grandfather told me a lot of stories about England because he had lived in England for a few years after leaving Italy. I narrowed my choice down to Keele as soon as I saw the photos of Keele Hall on the website. I even got a little bit emotional when I saw it - but it's proved to be even better in reality...."

What was your first impression of Keele when you arrived?

"As a study abroad student I was nervous at first of all the new people, and it was my first time in England. But after I tried out and joined the football team that all changed. The football girls were sitting on Keele Hall lawn and one afternoon they invited me over. It was just like some of the pictures I had seen of students sitting on the lawns and it felt perfect! I also joined the Drama Society and my friends were so supportive of me during my performances. I have met some wonderful people at Keele and I have made true friends - everyone has been welcoming and friendly. In fact I am planning a reunion in London in 2013 with all my old Keele friends together. I feel at home here - I love the campus, the people and the education system. I really enjoy the flexible approach to learning - it's more exploratory and more like a discussion than a lecture. In fact, it's magnificent, far above and beyond anything I expected. "

What are your aspirations for five years from now?

"I am going to stay focused on my course and then I hope to work with the police in Canada, using my criminology. I am also open to opportunities in the UK too. Whatever happens, I plan to travel and to stay part of Keele."

Cristina in Italian Gardens What do you hope to gain from your scholarship year at Keele?

"Well, the course is already better than I hoped. The lecturers have tailored the programme to reflect my specific interests and those of the 24 or so people on the course. My particular topic is "Edgework" - the ways in which extreme or "on the edge" behaviours occur in modern society and how that applies to criminology. I am so excited to have the opportunity to study at Keele again."

Anything you would like to add?

"My scholarship depends on the kindness and generosity of fellow Keelites in Canada - I want to thank them for being so kind and supportive. They have changed my life and made my dream come true, to study again at Keele! I met some Keele alumni in Toronto a couple of years ago and they were wonderful. It felt like one family despite our differences in years from a gentlemen in his 80s right down through all the generations to the youngest, me, who had not even graduated yet! Thank you all so much!"