The doors to Graduation 2016 open on 12 July. 4,691 students will graduate, bringing the number of Essex graduates, since 1964, to more than 93,000.

Each and every one of our 2016 graduates has had a life-changing experience. They have risen to the challenge of developing a research mindset, they have been involved in clubs, societies and volunteering, and they have grasped opportunities.

We can’t tell all their stories but our Graduating 2016 student profiles shine a light on the individual experiences that make the Essex family inclusive, international and inspiring.

We start the series with Anna’s story.

Anna Beranova said being part of the Essex Blades ladies basketball team helped her make the most of her experience as a non-UK student at Essex: “When you’re a foreign student like myself and you spend so much time with the team, they become like your second family. I know that my team mates will always have my back, same way I’ll always have theirs.”

Anna Beranova

Remarkably Anna, whose team took home the Basketball England National Cup after a thrilling final, had never played basketball before coming to Essex: “I grew up playing all sorts of sports so I couldn’t have imagined being at university without engaging in a sports club. I also thought it was a great way to meet new people and de-stress from studying.”

Anna, who is graduating with an LLB Law will continue to study law at Essex pursuing an LLM International Trade Law.