Daniel Chapman won several academic prizes during his Essex experience but one, a photography prize for a picture of President Barack Obama, is especially significant because it was taken during his year abroad at the University of Kansas.

Daniel Chapman

“Being America, I’d always heard of the ‘typical college experience,’ of the big sports games, and the university culture and pride. The University of Kansas seemed to epitomise it all.”

Speaking about his experience, Daniel said: “I arrived in my dorm room, one that I would share with three guys who became like brothers to me, on my own with just a suitcase and an accent to my name. From that very first day I made a point of introducing myself to people, and getting to know different people. My time abroad was quite honestly one of the best years of my life.”

Daniel, who is graduating with a BA Modern History and Politics, will return to Essex in September to start an MA and hopes to work in the diplomatic service.

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.