“The Pathway Bursary gave me independence. My parents couldn’t support me financially, so it meant a lot to know I could look after myself without guilt. There’s pride in knowing I worked hard to get here, and it definitely boosted my confidence.” 

From a young age, I always wanted to study Law. My interest started with crime but grew over time to include different areas of Law. When I thought about where I wanted to study, Queen's University was always my first choice. I knew a few people who had studied at Queen’s, and its reputation impressed me even more as I reached my A-levels. It was close to home and felt like the right place for me. 

The Pathway Bursary was a huge relief during my time at university. Starting out in first year, I quickly realised how expensive textbooks were, and I was also balancing a job on the side. Having the bursary helped cover those costs, but it also gave me the chance to experience university life to the fullest. It allowed me to sign up for societies, which is something a lot of people don’t realise has small costs associated with it.  

Thanks to the bursary, I was able to join both the Law Society and the Spanish Society, where I made great connections and participated in events like formals and tapas nights. 

Beyond that, the bursary supplied me with extra money to enjoy myself during my first year, which made a huge difference. I could focus on meeting people and getting involved in the university community without constantly worrying about finances. 

It was good to know, in the back of your mind, that you can just do it, and you don’t have to worry about other costs. 

The financial support also helped me feel more independent. My parents didn’t go to university, and they weren’t in a position to help me financially. The bursary meant I could support myself without feeling guilty about relying on them. It gave me pride, knowing that I had worked hard to earn it and that I could stand on my own two feet. 

There’s a bit of pride in having it as well, like knowing that you worked hard to get it. 

In addition to the bursary, the Pathway Programme itself played a big role in where I am today. Through it, I was able to connect with professionals and take part in mentoring opportunities that opened doors for me. I now work as a legal professional at Baker McKenzie, and I know that the mentoring I received through the programme helped me get there. On top of that, the financial support covered things I didn’t initially think about—like buying clothes for interviews or networking events, which helped me feel more confident. There’s this perception of Law as an upper-class thing, but that’s just not the case. 

To anyone who has donated to the Pathway Bursary Fund, I would say that your support makes a real difference. The impact goes beyond just helping a student financially; it boosts their confidence, gives them independence, and even inspires others around them.  

You’re not just changing one person’s life—you’re inspiring a whole community. 

My younger cousins look up to me now, and I know that my journey has shown them what’s possible.