Liberty Martin, a former Young Reporter winner, has been offered a place at Columbia University NYC. 

Unfamiliar with the American College application system, her chances of acceptance were slim, but she carried out a lot of research and her determination paid off, as she has been offered a place for September 2017.

A student from Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College, she is the first to ever apply for an Ivy League University place.

Amanda Compton, Headteacher at Norbury Manor said:  “Liberty is a truly inspirational student, she is hardworking, focused and it is a testament to her commitment that she secured places at both Oxford and Columbia. 

“She has taken advantage of every opportunity presented and I know that she will make the most of her time in America.”

Having been diagnosed with cancer at the age of thirteen, Liberty was determined to use her experience with the disease to motivate her and push her forward. In 2013 she took on the Young Reporter challenge and forged ahead to win top reporter.

As a cancer survivor, her health insurance will be high and a strain on family finances, so together with a generous grant from Columbia and personal savings, she has set up a a campaign to help raise money needed to cover her costs.

She said:  “I am determined to make the most of this very rare and unique opportunity.  This is the first time that I've lived away from home but it'll be a great opportunity for me to grow and mature as an individual.”

To support Liberty’s campaign go to: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/croydon2columbia