Name: Matthew Morton
Home country: USA
Course: Dphil in Social Intervention and Organisational Behaviour
Matthew Morton, studying for a Dphil in Social Intervention and Organisational Behaviour at Oxford University, is the 2009 Shine International Student of the Year. Matthew learnt he was the winner at a fantastic award ceremony in London presented by Moira Stuart and Nihal Arthanyake, in which all 12 finalists received recognition and praise for their exceptional achievements.
The judges felt that Matthew’s outstanding contribution to the community together with his ongoing work for the European Commission marked him out as a clear winner. Since coming to the UK from the USA, Matthew has helped found an organisation called Youth Development Project - or YDP, that provides assistance and encouragement to young people, in an area of multiple-deprivation just outside Oxford.
As well as volunteering for this group on an ongoing basis, Matthew has also set-up a youth leadership forum, between Albanian and British youth- leaders, through which both parties can share their knowledge and experiences. He was selected by the European Commission, as a consultant for a senior-level workgroup; delivered the keynote speech at the 2008 National Student Leadership Forum - held at the Scottish Parliament; and he still finds time to run for Oxford University's Cross-Country Club!
Commenting on the awards Matthew said, “For me Shine seemed like a great opportunity to bring attention to the youth projects that I work with, I thought that however far I progressed, it could only have a good outcome for those groups. I’ve enjoyed connecting with the other finalists, all of them are astounding and it’s been great to hear about their many achievements.”
Matthew was presented with his award by last year’s winner, Malaysian student Stephenie Siew Jean Tiew, who said that she continued to be inspired by the Shine awards. She recommended to Matthew that he come back next year to enjoy the experience all over again.
