Whole new world
Ellie’s dream to study in the USA
A Hamilton teenager visited two of the world’s most prestigious universities over the summer in a bid to make her acting dreams come true.
Ellie Laird – who studies on the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Junior Conservatoire programme – spent a week at Harvard and Yale in America after beating off competition from 1000 young people from all over the UK to take part in the Sutton Trust’s esteemed US programme.
The 17-year-old secured her place at the Junior Conservatoire through the Royal Conservatoire’s Transitions scheme, which aims to ensure that everyone with talent and potential should have access to training there regardless of their background.
It was during her studies at Scotland’s national conservatoire, ranked in the world’s top three for performing arts education, that she was made aware of the US programme.
Ellie said the trip helped her decide what she wants to do in the future.
The Hamilton Grammar pupil said: “This experience really opened my eyes to the world. America is just like a different world, it is incredible. I would like to major in drama and directing with English and French.”
Mum Alison said: “I am absolutely delighted for Ellie. My husband James wasn’t too sure at first because of the distance but we both know it’s such a wonderful opportunity for her.
“She’s grateful to the staff at the Junior Conservatoire who told her about the opportunity and guided her through the process. It would be a big step for Ellie if she decides she wants to study in the USA full-time but we will support her in every way we can.”
Winning the opportunity to visit the prestigious institutions was an arduous process for Ellie, who had to go through rounds of essay writing, tests and interviews as around 1000 hopefuls were whittled down to the final shortlist, which includes just 15 representatives from Scotland.
The Hamilton Grammar pupil spent a week living on campus. Along with other participants, she took part in residential activities and received an intensive programme of support.
Ellie explained that her studies at the Junior Conservatoire have helped her decide on her ultimate career path. She said: “I love studying there. It has affected my life so much, from the voice and movement coaching to meeting so many new people. Going to the Junior Conservatoire has showed me I can do what I really want to do and it has opened up a whole new life to me.
“I had been considering becoming an architect but the course here has made me realise how much I love acting.”
I would like to major in drama and directing with English and French . . .