Restarting her education was part of the process of rebuilding her life for a student who came to the ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï after emerging from an abusive relationship.
Two years into her undergraduate studies mother-of-five Liana Wilson has been shortlisted in the Academic Success category at the upReach 2025 Student Social Mobility Awards.
A late arrival to higher education, Liana is excelling in her studies and has been nominated two years in a row for Outstanding Student Academic Representative for the Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice, winning this year. Liana was also part of the Commuting Student’s Network Committee which won Network of the Year.
It’s an amazing turnaround in fortunes for Criminology student Liana who was in abusive relationship for seven years until 2020. The following year she was assaulted violently at her home by her ex-partner and became involved in a long and arduous series of legal proceedings to protect herself and her family.
“I had to make big decisions like closing down my business and leaving the house where my two youngest babies were born and the town I had called home for my whole adult life,” said Liana.
During this time Liana lost the ability to read for pleasure, which she believes to be a result of the stress and trauma endured, which impacted her physical and mental health in a variety of ways.
However, as she sought to make sense of the criminal justice system, Liana discovered she had a talent for research.
“I hadn’t been able to read or process information properly but when it came to reading information that was relevant to my situation things started to stick,” she said.
At this point Liana decided to use her new skills. “I applied to college as a means to increase my confidence and remind myself, that despite what I'd been through and tolerated, I was not stupid.”
Whilst at college, Family Court Proceedings began - but by Spring 2023 Liana had received provisional offers from five Universities and later completed her Access to HE in Law with straight Distinctions.
So why did Liana choose the ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï?
“I love the city and have always felt at home here. I came to an open day and heard Natacha Harding (Head of Department of Policing, Criminology and Forensics) give her presentation and it was hearing her talk so passionately, seeing the bond that she had with students, and the modules on offer here that led to my decision to study at Winchester.
“There is such a depth of knowledge and lived experience among the lecturers. There’s an ex-prison officer, an ex-magistrate, ex-police officers and people who have worked in victim support who all have amazing stories.”
She added: “As a student I feel privileged to do a degree that really interests me. When I tell people what I am doing they often say they are envious and would love to study criminology.”
Liana’s long journey to university has been strewn with obstacles.
She found out she was pregnant 48 hours before receiving her GCSE results and became a mother at 17.
Liana tried to start her A Levels after her baby was born but was unable to juggle study with work and motherhood. Over the years she expanded her family - and several times embarked on Open ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï courses but could not complete them.
“I'm so proud to have made it this far,” said Liana.
“I'm proud of the personal growth I have made alongside my academic journey. And I get to experience first-hand how proud my incredible children are of me and know that my dedication, my determination and my resilience will be teaching them that they can overcome and achieve always - not just despite challenges, but because of them.”
Prior to her assault, Liana had built up a successful wellbeing business offering Reiki and Massage. Although unconnected with her current studies, Liana believes her old career will somehow align in the future with her academic endeavours.
“At the heart of them both is my curiosity about people’s experiences, their stories and how I might be of service in their journey forward,” said Liana.
Dr Michelle Jolley, Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Criminology and Pathways at the ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï, said: “The Criminology programme offer Liana huge congratulations on her shortlisting for the upReach 2025 Student Social Mobility Award!
“She is an inspiration to anyone trying to turn their life around after a trauma. She has turned a negative into a positive, motivational, and driving force for change. Her dedication to her course and the support she offers to her fellow students is exceptional. We are immensely proud of everything she has achieved so far and honoured to have her as one of our students. She will undoubtedly go on to make a difference to others lives and share all that she's learnt to make their lives better.”
The recognise sixth form students and undergraduates who have overcome significant obstacles on their path to success, while also honouring schools, teachers, mentors, employers and universities for their initiatives and commitments to championing social mobility.
upReach, the social mobility charity behind the SSMAs, provides one-to-one support to 3,000 students from across the UK lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony held in London’s Mansion House on 10 July
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