Hard work leads Rachel to US scholarship

A UNIVERSITY of Dundee student who suffered from anxiety and depression after leaving high school has won a scholarship that will take her to the United States.

Rachel Main, who received a first class honours degree in English and Film Studies today, is one of just two students to be awarded the annual St Andrew’s Society of the State of New York Scholarship.

The $30,000 prize will see Rachel take up a coveted place on the MFA Dramatic Writing programme at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

The 23-year-old, from Glenrothes, became a carer for her mother when she was in school. She said: “I left high school with poor Standard Grades and suffered with depression and anxiety. At one point it was so bad I couldn’t leave the house.”

Rachel eventually got back into education and studied at Fife College before applying to Dundee. During her time at university, she became president of the school of humanities, won a screenplay writing competition and produced a play performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her mother and grandmother were at today’s graduation ceremony.

Dr Shona Johnston, head of careers, employability and enterprise at the university, said: “We are delighted that Rachel’s hard work and talent have been recognised.”

Katherine Adam pictured during filming for the show.