School of Law

Ashley Blyden

LLB Law | 2009-2012

About me
I am originally from a small archipelago of Islands called The Bahamas where I have lived and grown up my entire life. Being the oldest of two children ambition, determination, being well read and a hard work ethic were instilled at an early age.

Consequently, from a tender age it was essential to be interested in a prospective career in which these characteristics would be necessary and utilized, no other career for these skills appealed more than one in Law.

As such, I attended The College of The Bahamas and achieved a two year degree in Law and Criminal Justice. Having obtained this degree I chose to broaden my horizons and pursue something I loved abroad. Being from a Commonwealth country, it was only natural that England was my first choice, and here I am, at the half way mark of my 3 year LLB, second year is nearly over!

Why Law
Ghandi once said “Be the change you want to see in the world”, I believe the Law provides a first- hand opportunity for me to do just that, hopefully as a future barrister, handling miscarriages of justice and corruption, and the ability to provide punishment for wrongdoers and freedom for those falsely accused.

For me no other career has had or will continuously have such an impact on the world. Further, I am fascinated by the law; it shapes societies, producing civilizing outcomes and engenders respect among diverse people.

Why I chose Leeds
Why wouldn’t you choose Leeds? I had heard volumes speaking of Leeds as having a reputation of excellence, incomparable and unmatched by its competitors, providing great opportunities for persons pursuing a greater appreciation and knowledge of Law.

The University is also amongst the highest ranks for undergraduates and graduates alike seeking to pursue a career in law, home to one of the largest law facilities for resources in the UK, a part of the largest research group (The Russell Group).

But more than that Leeds is a representation of a ‘melting pot’ of ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, disabilities, socioeconomic status, sexual preference and appearance. The University provides a place where you can interact with people a part of these different descriptions to take part in societies, sports and new and exciting exhilarating activities.

Further, the city in itself is one that provides a rush of energy, culture and once in a lifetime experiences. No other University came close, in my eyes to the opportunities both educational and social than Leeds - the obvious choice.

My time at Leeds
Standing at the half way mark, and taking a look back at the experience that is Leeds I can honestly say that there is nothing more I could have possibly looked for in a city and University.

Leeds has offered the best of both worlds. The School of Law has provided a course that challenges me every day, pushing me to my limits to dig for solutions to problems but more than that, it has opened my mind to look at things from angles I wouldn’t have previously viewed them from.

If I were to have any issues there are numerous resources that the University provides so there is absolutely no excuse to not work at your full potential. Additionally, the faculty go above and beyond their call of duty to ensure you are able to grasp concepts and produce work to the best of your abilities, in both exams and assessed essays alike.

Outside of the educational aspects, of university is the social aspect. There are over 250 clubs and societies that one can sink their teeth into whether it be from a sports club such as kickboxing, basketball or swimming, or a cultural society such as Afro Caribbean Society, East Asian Society, or course societies such as Law Society. Generally, there is something here for everyone.

The City also plays a key factor in enjoyment of Leeds, restaurants, clubs and pubs are unmatched by other cities and provide nights that are really the time of your life.

What I love about Leeds most, however is that it has provided me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who I can say are now some of my best friends. My home and family away from home.  

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