Tenecia Ebanks

Here's why Tenecia was nominated by their tutor:

"I’m genuinely honoured to nominate Tenecia, because her journey is one that truly stays with you. She is a single parent, balancing the everyday realities of raising a young child with the demands of university life. On top of that, she made the life-changing decision to move from the Caymen Islands to pursue her goal of becoming a healthcare professional & create a new life for her and her son. That alone speaks volumes about her determination, and she has followed it through with quiet dedication every step of the way, something that requires constant strength and resilience.

In her studies, she consistently works to a high standard and has achieved excellent results. But what really stands out is her mindset. Tenecia is thoughtful, curious, and deeply invested in what she’s learning. You can see that this isn’t just a course for her; it’s something she genuinely cares about and wants to make a difference in.

Furthermore, Tenecia has taken on the role of course representative, and in doing so has become someone her peers rely on. She listens, speaks up when it matters, and represents others with honesty and confidence. More than that, she is a positive role model & someone who leads in a quiet, steady way, simply by showing up, working hard, and supporting those around her.

Alongside everything else, Tenecia has given her time to voluntary work, supporting vulnerable people in the community across a range of settings. She brings compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help others, which will make her an excellent Occupational Therapist in the future.

Within the UC Sheffield community, Tenecia is someone who makes a difference in small but important ways. She is kind, approachable, and encouraging, and she helps create a space where others feel supported.

What makes Tenecia truly special is her resilience. Balancing study, parenting, voluntary work, and life in a new country is not easy, yet she handles it with strength and determination. There’s a quiet perseverance about her that is incredibly admirable. Tenecia has remained determined and proactive to overcome barriers to the next step of her learning journey.

Tenecia isn’t just succeeding academically; she is contributing and inspiring others along the way. She represents the very best of UC Sheffield, and I wholeheartedly believe she deserves this award."