Zoe Garshong, who is graduating with a BSc Economics, was President of student society Enactus Essex.

Zoe Garshong, picture courtesy of the Students' Union

She joined Enactus after seeing how the impact the society had through community outreach projects: “I was absolutely touched and blown away by the fact students just like me had started projects around the country, and the world, and have actually changed people’s lives.”

Zoe enjoyed working on four different Enactus projects but one local initiative really stood out: “Big Difference is a local project based in Clacton-on-Sea. It aims to empower youth who are currently not in education, employment or training, through mentoring and an employability programme. This made me realise that you don’t have to do something big to make an impact. Never underestimate the simple and small things.”

Zoe, who was elected President of the Students’ Union for 2016-17, hopes to travel, and continue her studies abroad after she leaves Essex. She added: I really do not believe in limiting myself. God has given me gifts and talents, and I plan on using them all to do my part and help make the world better.”

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.