Three Bermudian students who are passionate about writing were awarded scholarships from the English Speaking Union to study overseas.

Abigail Belfrage, Kari Pitcher and Hannah Stockley each received $5,000 from the organisation to pursue English-related studies.

Penny White, the secretary of the ESU’s Bermuda branch and a member of its scholarship committee, said the organisation offered the grant to three recipients annually. Recipients can be awarded the support more than once.

Ms Belfrage, a first-time awardee, will study creative writing and fine arts at Aberystwyth University in Wales.

The 20-year-old, from Paget, was on a trip to the university when she found out that she would receive the grant.

“Initially, I was taken aback that I had actually achieved the award as I had at first been pretty nervous for the interview and couldn't believe that I was successful,” she said.

“I'm unbelievably grateful for receiving the award as it will give me the opportunity to focus on what I love to do and initially open doors for everything I've imagined myself doing for the past few years.”

Ms Belfrage hopes to graduate in 2028 and plans to combine her love for art and writing through storytelling and illustration.

She advised any future scholarship applicants to "wholeheartedly be yourself“.

“I've struggled with this aspect of my life for many years and I think it's important to just be the most authentic version of yourself as you will attract and draw out what is truly meant for you,” Ms Belfrage added.

Ms Pitcher, from St David’s, received the grant for the second time and said the ESU was very supportive during her first year at Brock University in Canada, where she is studying English language and literature.

The 19-year-old added that the ESU “almost felt like a personal support system” in her academic feat.

She said: “You always hear about sports and arts scholarships, but never English, so it was nice to see that others were aware of the doorways that English could open.

“I was nervous about the idea of relaying how my studying went during the last year, as, in my case, not many people find English literature interesting.”

Ms Pitcher explained: “The idea of a community of individuals who want to encourage my generation to explore English gives me confidence in pursuing my dreams of writing, especially in a climate where English-related topics, such as books and essays, are being overrun by AI.

“It’s a shame to see that many individuals think of stories as simple things that can be replaced by a prompt in technology — that isn’t the case.

“We use stories to express our lives, hopes and dreams and giving it up to something so soulless would deprive us as humans of being able to connect with one another, to share our lives, hopes and dreams.”

When she graduates, Ms Pitcher would like to work in a library where she can share her love for information and storytelling while writing books.

Ms Stockley, 19, who also received the grant for the second time, is pursuing English studies at the University of Exeter in England.

She said she was “incredibly pleased” to be a recipient of the scholarship.

Ms Stockley added: “I’m overwhelmed that the ESU is so appreciative towards students pursuing English-related studies.

“I often feel that the English degree can be overlooked with people categorising you into the role of becoming an English teacher.

“To have the union’s continuous support during my studies has motivated me to try my best and really enjoy my experiences abroad.”

Ms Stockley, from Paget, said the award opened many doors for her in terms of “expanding my enjoyment of an English degree”.

She added: “The award has helped fund my school fees, books and accommodation in the United Kingdom.”

The applicants said they learnt about the scholarship while browsing the Bermuda Scholarships website.

The ESU is an international membership organisation that offers a range of educational and cultural programmes for members, teachers and students.

It enables them to become confident communicators, critical thinkers and empowered citizens.

The Bermuda branch of the ESU, which was founded in 1922, promotes debating and public speaking.

It offers the annual scholarship to encourage the effective use of the English language.

• To learn more about the English Speaking Union, e-mail esubermuda@gmail.com