How this NI graduate can teach us all a lesson in overcoming adversity

Completing a university degree is no mean feat, but one East Belfast man's journey has been exceptional.

Like many others in his cohort, William McMullan’s studies were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but less common were additional challenges that included evacuation from a war zone and a visit to the intensive care unit – from where he completed and submitted his dissertation.

William, 23, will graduate from the University of St Andrews with a MA (Hons) in International Relations and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad) and The Harvey Pitcher Prize.

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Despite being an Oxbridge applicant, William was drawn to St Andrews for the calibre of the International Relations program and, despite leaving school with strong science results, he decided to take IR with Russian and Arabic, languages he began with only rudimentary knowledge.

Like so many of us, William was inspired by the town’s natural beauty, particularly the beaches, which reminded him of coastal Northern Ireland home.

His keen interest in participating in the Royal Air Force saw him immediately join the University Air Squadron (UAS) and Saints Rifle club when he started at St Andrews in 2019.

When the pandemic hit, William adroitly navigated the challenges this brought and was eager to embark on the integrated year abroad portion of his degree when the pandemic ended with a placement in St Petersburg. However, things were not going to be smooth sailing.

It was during his year abroad that Russia invaded Ukraine and William was forced to quickly find a way out. This involved multiple aborted attempts to get home, including one flight which was turned around mid-air and unable to disembark at the airport. He eventually secured a seat on an unmarked plane and completed the remainder of his year abroad virtually.

Undaunted, William continued to participate in the UAS and Saints Rifle, and to fulfil other engagements including participating in the International Forum for Peace Security and Prosperity Conference held in Sicily in the Spring of 2024 as a Young Ambassador for Peace.

Upon his return he travelled to Chesterfield, England to compete with the Rifle Club, but acute abdominal pain resulted in him being admitted to the intensive care unit with a tumour subsequently being discovered on his kidney.

With deadlines approaching, William elected to continue to fulfil his obligations and completed his coursework from the ICU, completed all final exams, and submitted his dissertation on time.

William has always been one for a challenge, his mother, Johanna McMullan, says: “His first trip abroad without his family was when he was 17 to Japan including climbing Mount Fuji and has been travelling and climbing mountains ever since.

“He also runs marathons and completes endurance cycles to raise funds for charities, including Macmillan and The WAVE Project in Northern Ireland

“William continues to participate in the UAS and Saints Rifle Club, despite awaiting further surgery and treatment, and he is currently Lead Student for UAS and recipient of Best Student award this year, and participated in, and won, an international rifle competition for Scottish Universities.

“William's future plans are uncertain as he continues to navigate challenges presented by his recent health diagnosis, but we have no doubt he will persevere,” she added.

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