Amelia Fournis-Lerma: The UCL Classicist Redefining Myth, History, And Modern Education

Amelia Fournis-Lerma is a young academic voice redefining the study of the ancient world in today’s fast-moving age. A Classics student at University College London (UCL), she is known for her passion for history, literature, and education. Her academic journey reflects a rare blend of intellectual depth, cultural curiosity, and a genuine love for teaching. Amelia has already distinguished herself with key achievements, including being runner-up in the Minds Underground Essay Competition for her thought-provoking essay “Are Myth and History Compatible?”. Alongside her university studies, she works as a Teaching Assistant at Ma Petite École UK, where she supports bilingual education and helps students develop language skills. She is also a multilingual mentor fluent in English, French, and German, making her a bridge between cultures and eras.

Through her academic work and teaching, Amelia Fournis-Lerma exemplifies how classical studies remain relevant in the modern world. Her story is one of curiosity, commitment, and continuous learning.
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Bio Details: Amelia Fournis

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in London, UK, Amelia Fournis-Lerma grew up in an environment that encouraged exploration, reading, and critical thinking. From an early age, she developed a fascination with literature, languages, and the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Her curiosity for how ancient societies shaped modern culture led her toward a lifelong love of classical studies. Amelia attended the prestigious City of London School for Girls (CLSG) from 2017 to 2024, where she excelled academically and personally. Her school years were filled with learning, leadership, and creativity. She earned top grades at every stage—achieving a string of 9s and 8s in her GCSEs and later securing AAA at A-Level. These results reflected her strong academic abilities and self-discipline.

Beyond the classroom, Amelia played a key role in student activities. She served as Chair of the International Committee, helping connect students across cultures and promoting global awareness. She also contributed to two of the school’s publications—Classics Magazine and Legenda, where she wrote essays that explored literature, philosophy, and history. Through her writing and leadership, Amelia showed early signs of the analytical thinking and empathy that would define her later work. Her years at CLSG not only prepared her for university but also deepened her passion for the humanities.

Academic Journey at University College London (UCL)

In 2024, Amelia Fournis-Lerma began her undergraduate studies in Classics and the Ancient World at University College London (UCL)—one of the leading universities in the UK for the humanities. Her course explores subjects such as Latin and Greek languages, ancient philosophy, history, and archaeology, offering her a broad and challenging foundation.

At UCL, Amelia continues to stand out for her intellectual curiosity and academic engagement. Her passion for connecting the past with the present became evident when she earned the title of Runner-Up in the Minds Underground Essay Competition (Classics Category). Her essay, “Are Myth and History Compatible?”, examined how ancient mythological narratives influenced historical understanding and how these themes still appear in modern political thought.

The essay received recognition for its originality and clarity, blending classical analysis with reflections on truth and storytelling in today’s world. Through such work, Amelia demonstrates how ancient studies can inform modern debates about identity, power, and culture. Her academic focus includes exploring the intersection of myth, politics, and philosophy, particularly how ancient texts shape collective memory and ethical reasoning. UCL’s vibrant academic community provides her with opportunities to research, write, and engage in discussions that sharpen her analytical and interpretive skills. Amelia’s work proves that Classics is not a subject of the past—it is a lens for understanding the present.

Teaching and Educational Experience

Alongside her studies, Amelia Fournis-Lerma actively contributes to education through her role as a Teaching Assistant at Ma Petite École UK, a bilingual French-English learning environment. She began this position in February 2023 and continues to balance her teaching duties with her university coursework.

Her responsibilities include assisting teachers with lesson planning, supporting students in their studies, and occasionally leading classes in the teacher’s absence. Working in a bilingual setting allows her to apply her language skills and gain valuable experience in cross-cultural communication. Amelia approaches teaching as more than just transferring knowledge—it is about sparking curiosity and confidence in learners. She believes that education can transform lives and that every student deserves a supportive, inspiring environment. Her time at Ma Petite École UK has helped her develop key skills in organization, empathy, and lesson delivery.

This experience also strengthens her understanding of pedagogy and the power of language in shaping learning. As she guides younger students, she continues to refine her own communication and leadership abilities, creating a foundation for a future career in education and classical scholarship.

Community Service and Mentorship

Beyond her formal roles, Amelia Fournis-Lerma is deeply committed to community engagement. Between 2020 and 2023, she volunteered as a mentor at the City of London School for Girls, helping younger students in German and French. This mentorship involved offering academic support, exam preparation, and guidance for students navigating complex subjects.

Her involvement reflects a genuine desire to help others learn. Amelia believes that mentorship is a two-way process—it strengthens both the mentor and the student. By supporting peers from diverse backgrounds, she has cultivated patience, adaptability, and a deep sense of responsibility. Amelia has also participated in educational outreach programs designed to assist underprivileged students. Her goal is to make education accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of background. Through her mentorship and volunteering, Amelia Fournis-Lerma embodies the values of social responsibility and community leadership.

Writing and Scholarly Contributions

Writing is a central part of Amelia Fournis-Lerma’s academic identity. During her time at CLSG, she contributed regularly to Classics Magazine and Legenda, where she wrote about ancient literature, philosophy, and the connections between classical themes and modern society. Her essays often stand out for their clarity and depth. In her award-winning essay “Are Myth and History Compatible?”, Amelia argued that myth and history are not opposites but complementary forms of truth. She showed how ancient narratives still shape our modern understanding of politics, identity, and national storytelling.

Her style is both analytical and accessible, making complex ideas understandable to a wide audience. She often combines classical references with contemporary examples, demonstrating that the human questions of the past remain relevant today. Amelia’s writing not only highlights her scholarly skills but also her commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and public understanding. Her goal is to make the Classics alive for new generations of learners.

Professional and Internship Experience

In addition to her academic and teaching roles, Amelia Fournis-Lerma has gained early professional experience through an internship at Operis Group in July 2022. Although the company focuses on finance and project analysis, the internship offered Amelia a valuable glimpse into the corporate world. During her time there, she learned how to use data tools like Microsoft Excel, developed basic marketing skills, and gained insight into business communication and teamwork. This experience helped her see how the critical thinking skills developed through a Classics education—logic, analysis, and clarity—can be applied beyond academia. Her internship showed that a background in the humanities can prepare students for a wide range of professions by building skills in problem-solving and effective communication.

Multilingualism and Global Perspective

One of Amelia Fournis-Lerma’s most distinct strengths is her multilingual ability. She is fluent in English, French, and German, languages that she uses actively in her academic and teaching work. Her bilingual role at Ma Petite École UK allows her to teach in French, while her mentorship in German and French at school further enhances her cross-cultural skills. This linguistic diversity reflects her global mindset and her belief that language is a bridge to understanding different cultures.

Amelia views multilingualism as essential for education and international collaboration. Her skills enable her to access a broader range of academic resources and engage with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Her proficiency in languages also complements her Classics studies, where Latin and Greek form the foundation of many modern European languages. This combination positions her as a truly global learner and educator.

Personal Philosophy and Online Presence

Beyond academics, Amelia Fournis-Lerma maintains a balanced and modern approach to life. She believes that learning should connect past wisdom with present purpose—a philosophy that guides her everyday choices. She is active on LinkedIn, where she shares academic updates and connects with other students and educators in the humanities. She also runs a small shop on Depop under the handle “ameliafournis_,” reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and creative interests.

Her personal interests include literature, education, cultural history, and sustainable living. She believes that intellectual growth comes not only from books but also from everyday experiences and interactions. Amelia’s ethos is best captured in her own words: “Learning connects past wisdom with present purpose.” Her digital presence and philosophy show that she embodies the values of a modern scholar who remains connected to both heritage and humanity.

Future Goals and Vision

Looking ahead, Amelia Fournis-Lerma has clear and ambitious goals for the future. She plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing postgraduate research in Classical Studies or Ancient History, focusing on literature, political thought, and the relationship between myth and identity. Her long-term aspiration is to become a university lecturer, cultural educator, or education policy advisor, helping to make humanities accessible and valued in modern education.

Amelia also hopes to continue her work in community education, possibly founding a non-profit organization that offers learning support to students from underrepresented backgrounds. Her goal is to use her knowledge of classical texts and languages to promote critical thinking and cultural awareness. Her vision is rooted in the belief that ancient studies can guide modern human development by teaching timeless lessons of ethics, community, and understanding.

Achievements and Recognition

• AAA A-Levels at City of London School for Girls

• Runner-Up in the Minds Underground Essay Competition (Classics)

• Chair of the International Committee (CLSG)

• Teaching Assistant at Ma Petite École UK

• Contributor to Classics Magazine and Legenda

• Multilingual mentor in French and German

Conclusion

Amelia Fournis-Lerma is part of a new generation of students reviving the value of humanities in a rapidly changing world. Through her studies at UCL, her work as a teaching assistant, and her commitment to community education, she has shown that the Classics remain deeply relevant today.

Her journey embodies curiosity, discipline, and a love for learning that inspires others. Amelia’s ability to connect ancient ideas with modern realities sets her apart as a rising intellectual voice in education and culture. With her focus on scholarship, teaching, and community impact, Amelia Fournis-Lerma is not just studying the past—she is helping shape the future of human understanding.

FAQs About Amelia Fournis

1. Who is Amelia Fournis-Lerma?
Amelia Fournis-Lerma is a British Classics student at University College London (UCL), known for her academic excellence, multilingual skills, and teaching work at Ma Petite École UK.

2. What is Amelia Fournis-Lerma known for?
She is best known for being the runner-up in the Minds Underground Essay Competition for her essay “Are Myth and History Compatible?” and for her contributions to bilingual education in London.

3. Where did Amelia Fournis-Lerma study?
Amelia studied at the City of London School for Girls from 2017 to 2024 and is currently pursuing a degree in Classics and the Ancient World at University College London (UCL).

4. What languages does Amelia Fournis-Lerma speak?
She is fluent in English, French, and German, and often applies her multilingual skills in her teaching and mentoring roles.

5. What are Amelia Fournis-Lerma’s career goals?
Amelia aims to become a university lecturer or educator, combining her love for classical studies, languages, and cultural education to inspire future generations.

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