"With this support, we have been able to focus more on our studies, gain essential experiences, and grow in ways we couldn’t without it."

From a young age, I knew Computer Science was the field that intrigued me, and I was lucky enough to attend a school that offered Computer Science as a GCSE subject, so I began studying it at age 15 and have continued my journey in the field up to the age of 23.  

Computer science has always fascinated me, and it’s incredible being able to pursue it as a career.

The biggest impact on my university experience has been the support I received from the Pathway bursary. Since I turned 16, I’ve been balancing part-time work with my studies, working 16-20 hours each week during my AS and A Levels and then throughout university. Having the bursary to help with essentials like rent and utilities has meant I could use my income from work to enjoy my hobbies and social life. It also allowed me to explore different experiences and build new skills without the constant worry of managing my bills. 

The bursary also enabled me to pursue opportunities within technology that I might not have been able to afford otherwise. For example, I could attend events and placements, such as Insight Weeks.

Using the bursary as a substitute for the wages I would’ve earned allowed me to explore different avenues, discover my strengths and interests, and expand my skill set. This experience was invaluable and has played a big part in shaping where I am today. 

Using the bursary as a substitute for a missed wage meant that I was able to see what type of work I was both good at, and I was interested in, and expand those skills.

The Pathway Bursary has meant more to me than just financial assistance. It’s a true sign of support for students from backgrounds where university might not always seem like an achievable goal. For students in the Pathway Programme, it’s powerful to see people willing to invest in us, trusting that we’ll work hard, complete our studies, and make the most of the opportunities provided.  

As I see it, the bursary is someone betting on us and saying, ‘I believe in you.’ For me, the bursary is a show of support towards my studies.

To those considering a donation to the Pathway Bursary, I would say that this support genuinely makes a difference. It gives students like me a chance to fully explore our potential without the stress of balancing financial constraints.