Student Spotlight: From redirection to recognition with Drapers’ Company Prize winner Leriem Ferhat
Leriem Ferhat, a recipient of Queen Mary’s prize for academic excellence, shares her inspiring story of determination and hard work that paved the way to her success.
The best unplanned decision I made was choosing Queen Mary. That detour taught me to treat rejection as redirection, a pivot, not a verdict on my ability. Mathematics has always been my subject, so pursuing it at university was a natural choice. I wanted to explore new fields, debate with peers, and challenge my understanding, something I had been envisioning doing since my earliest studies.
Queen Mary’s BSc Mathematics proved to be a comprehensive programme that opened multiple pathways early on. What I appreciated most was the breadth of topics and the strong emphasis on translating mathematical ideas into real-world context, answering the question mathematicians are often asked. That bridge from theory to implementation is increasingly vital in the workplace and became a defining part of how I learnt.
Equally important was the student community. There was a strong peer connection across cohorts; hearing candid advice from those just ahead of me gave me practical insight and helped me recognise my niche within Mathematics. That sense of shared progress made a real difference.
My time at Queen Mary strengthened my habit of seeking out opportunities and understanding how things get done. I engaged with lecturers, PhD students, and industry professionals, gaining exposure to live research and the many ways Mathematics translates into work that both fuels my curiosity and serves communities. I arrived with no expectations and left inspired. These experiences are a testament to the platform Queen Mary provides and to the community and encouragement fostered by the School of Mathematical Sciences.
No story is complete without turbulence. At times, the path felt unclear, especially in modules that were entirely new to me. Those periods tested both passion and understanding, and they pushed me to step beyond the syllabus: seek context, read widely, experiment with ideas, and take ownership of my learning. That approach, turning uncertainty into action, underpinned my strongest work to date.
In a welcome surprise, this work was recognised with the Drapers’ Company Prize for outstanding achievement, emerging top of my cohort. It is an honour I am overjoyed to receive. This acknowledgement represents my love for Mathematics, the support of friends and family, and a renewed motivation to keep pursuing knowledge that can transform complex challenges into practical solutions for organisations and communities.
This coming September, I will begin an MSc in Operations Research and Analytics at LSE. Through this specialisation and deeper investment in my skills, I aim to contribute at scale, whether in industry, a non-profit, or government, by applying rigorous, data-driven thinking to initiatives. I also want to share lessons beyond the classroom and encourage students to be proactive, even if nothing yet stands out to them as Mathematics does to me. Knowledge is power, and it shapes decisions.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to take control and embrace the struggle: take on the extra research project, apply for roles that feel out of reach, and speak to people who inspire you. Pressure is a privilege, one I choose to embrace, and with hardship comes ease. If you are a student, employer, or partner considering what is next, I am keen to connect and help. I would like this journey to be viewed not as mine alone, but as one for all in the pursuit of progression and achievement.