Khalid Walid

20 years old, attending the University of Birmingham, UK. Khalid was awarded a Beacon Scholarship for University in May 2023.

Khalid is studying towards a BSc in Human Neuroscience. He is a committed student and takes every opportunity to further his academic progress. The result of this commitment was excellent end of second year results.  Alongside his studies, he is currently in a year-long research volunteer post, looking into how ‘Sleep Impacts Memory Consolidation’.

Khalid is a very keen sportsman, and has maintained his participation in competitive swimming, this year achieving three personal bests. To support this performance and to help to maintain his fitness, he attends the gym four times a week. He also now plays padel, giving him the opportunity to try something different and to meet new people.

Khalid is an active and positive presence around campus. He was voted Treasurer of the Neuroscience Society and President of the Action Against Homeless Society. The latter society won this year’s Community Impact University Award. The increase in volunteers going on weekly food drives is a tribute to Khalid’s ability to inspire others. These leadership roles, plus practice and perseverance, have improved Khalid’s confidence in public speaking.

Khalid’s commitment to service and citizenship is evident. He leads an initiative to regularly donate leftover food from university functions to a homeless shelter, reducing waste and helping those in need. He supports the wider needs of homeless people too, through his involvement in a charity that provides them with medical help. In addition, the society that he leads raised a considerable amount of money to support the mental health of homeless teenagers.

Beacon Workshop Participation

In Beacon Workshops, Khalid is an engaged participant. He shows impressive leadership, demonstrating that he is a collaborative team player whose engagement motivates others.

Beacon Summer Citizenship Project

Khalid’s Summer Citizenship Project was called ‘Bright Futures: Expanding minds, Healing spaces’ and focused on applying neuroscience-based practices to support the children’s emotional and cognitive well-being, with a particular focus on improving sleep.