"The background that I came from didn’t make higher education seem like an achievable goal.” 

From an early age, I knew I wanted to go to university, study Law, and one day build a career in the field. Thankfully, a teacher who believed in my potential encouraged me to pursue my ambitions, and that made all the difference. 

I wanted to go to Queen's, and I wanted to study Law. I had a teacher that had a lot of faith in me, who knew my interests and strengths, and pushed me towards them.

The Pathway Bursary has been the greatest support in my journey. From the very start, it was instrumental in my transition to university and in shaping my legal career goals. The bursary gave me more than financial support; it offered access to resources I otherwise couldn’t have afforded.  

It covered essentials like books, an iPad keyboard, and professional attire, which was particularly helpful as I began to attend legal events and presentations. These practical contributions bridged the gap, allowing me to focus on my studies and develop the skills needed for a future in law.

The Pathway Bursary also helped me enjoy a fuller university experience. In my first year, I was able to set aside some funds not just for textbooks, but also for travel.  

This extra support allowed me to join my friends on a trip to France to explore museums and experience new cultures. These are opportunities I never thought I’d have, and they enriched my education in ways beyond the classroom.

Today, I’m proud to work for the Widening Participation Unit, where I get to witness the impact of the Pathway Programme across the university. I see firsthand how it changes lives, opening doors for students from diverse backgrounds and giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams. 

If anyone is considering donating to the Pathway Bursary fund, I can’t emphasise enough how transformative it is.  

When you actually speak to the students you will understand how life-changing the bursary is and how important the fund has been to so many people’s lives.

As I often tell others, the support I received has not only been life-changing for me, but it has also empowered many other students, showing us that our dreams are worth pursuing.