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Manx scholar to return to US university
Katie Taylor, Ella Olesen
A FORMER Ella Olesen scholar has returned to the University of Idaho to study for a PhD.
Katie Taylor, of Close Caarjys, Ramsey, first went to the American university in August 2010 after winning a scholarship issued annually by the Department of Education and Children.
Katie, aged 23, who already has a BSc honours degree in sports science from the University of Central Lancashire, has returned to the town of Moscow to further her studies after being awarded a graduate teaching assistantship.
She said: ‘I am over the moon that I can really begin to achieve my dream with the opportunity of this scholarship and I am looking forward to continuing my education while also teaching other students.’
‘I am grateful to the Isle of Man Government and the Department of Education and Children because, without the opportunity I was provided with through the Ella Olesen scholarship, I wouldn’t be embarking on this fantastic new adventure.’
Settling back in at Idaho, Katie added: ‘As my life has moved to Moscow for the next few years, I will be supporting the Idaho Vandals university sporting teams but I will always be a Manx girl at heart. As the saying goes, “you can take the girl away from the Isle of Man but you can’t take the Isle of Man out of the girl”.’
The Ella Olesen scholarship is awarded annually to a female graduate who has been supported through her studies by the DEC.
It is named after a registrar of the university who died in 1985.
Her Manx ancestry – her mother Margaret Teare was born in Ballaugh and emigrated to America in 1890 – led her to gift the scholarship in 1971.
Applications will be invited shortly for the 2013/14 scholarship, with interviews taking place at Christmas.
Katie said: ‘To all the girls who will be receiving a letter about the 2013/14 scholarship: I urge you to apply.
‘It’s an experience you will never forget and who knows what may come of it.’
In 2010/11 Katie studied classes in physiology, psychology, and anthropology and community development. She also gained credits in step aerobics.
Three months into her experience she said: ‘The American lifestyle is very different with regards to food and sport but the traa-dy-liooar attitude here in Moscow is comforting and makes a Manx girl feel very much at home.
‘I have been welcomed with open arms by both the university and the Moscow community who remember many of the past Manx girls. It is a fantastic experience to be a part of the long-standing international friendship.’
Katie had the honour of helping the government to formally recognise the work of Phyllis and Duane le Tourneau. Between 1984 and 2009 they provided a home from home for more than 40 Ella Olesen scholars for the first few days.
Katie presented the couple with an illuminated address – a framed certificate signed by then Education Minister Eddie Teare MHK – that expressed thanks for their unstinting hospitality.
Katie joins 2012/13 Ella Olesen scholar Melissa Bell, aged 21. Melissa, of Hillberry Road, Onchan, left in August and will return home in May 2013.
She gained the International Baccalaureate at King William’s College and graduated in criminology and psychology from the University of West England in Bristol.
Melissa wants to work as a counsellor for children with behavioural difficulties, so while she is at Idaho she is studying psychology, hopefully specialising in counselling.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 8 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
