New-Bridge Alumna Make Their Mark on the World!

Past pupil and former Head Girl at New-Bridge Integrated College Maria McAnearney has been appointed an Ambassador for Queens University Belfast.  Maria transferred to Queens University in September 2016 to undertake a 4 year Degree in Finance having achieved top A level results (A*/A/ B) in Physics, Biology and Maths. Maria saw the position advertised on the university website and applied hoping to gain interview experience.    Following her interview, the panel advised Maria that as a first year student she didn’t fit their usual selection criteria;  the other Ambassadors are third year or Masters Students.  However,  on consultation they agreed that she had all the necessary skills to become an excellent ambassador for Queens and said they simply had to offer her a place on their team.   Her role is to promote Queens as a university of excellence and create more awareness of the university which will involve visits to various locations in Ireland and the UK.  Maria has already undertaken her first training session and was introduced to the other 6 ambassadors as the newest and youngest member of the team and  formerly welcomed as a highly valued member of the University staff.

Maria commented that her experience as Head Girl at New-Bridge had given her invaluable experience and confidence in public speaking and meeting and conversing with high profile visitors to the College.   She is delighted with her new position and said that it is like being Head Girl all over again but with pay! Maria’s mum is very proud of her and said Maria has a wonderfully positive outlook on life .  Mrs Anderson is delighted and proud at Maria’s success as she continues to be a wonderful ambassador for New-Bridge.  Maria transferred from St Colman’s Bann in 2009 and immediately embraced the  integrated ethos of the College.   She  thrived in our inclusive, all ability environment academically and personally involving herself in all aspects of the College life.  In 2015 Maria was a finalist in the BT Young Scientists Award and was an active Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassador. Maria made a great contribution [] to New-Bridge and we wish her every success in her new role as Ambassador for Queen’s University.