Profile seventeen

I am currently four weeks into the first year of my Internet Computing course at the University of Derby.  I came to University straight from St Edward’s College in Liverpool, where I studied I.C.T, Design Technology and Geography.

I have had many factors that have made it difficult for me to get where I am, exacerbated by the financial issues that come with deciding to go to university, which is massive for everyone.  The help I received from the John Moran Trust with my accommodation bills is already aiding me in focusing on my work, rather than worrying too much about financial issues.

I first learned of the Trust through my college, and knowing of the enormous financial costs of attending university I applied, and consequently received an interview. I was nervous in preparation for it, however once I was in the interview I found everyone to be very friendly, and it was a pleasant process.

I am settling into university well.  My main hobby at home in Liverpool was playing rugby.  I played for my school and Collegiate RUFC. I am already a member of the Men’s Rugby Society in the university, training regularly and playing twice a week. Although the amount of work is intense and it feels like I’ve been thrown in the deep end, I am enjoying my first few weeks of university life, and that is largely due to the help and support of the Trust.

I have just finished my first year at Derby University.  After some hard work I managed to pass my first year.  The help I received from the John Moran Trust meant that I was able to get through my first year with a lot less added stress.
 
I am currently studying a computing course, and with the John Moran Trust funding I received I was able to purchase much needed computer software that helped me with my course. It allowed me to work from my accommodation instead of travelling to university and working all day, every day. This enabled me to free up some time for my social life, which is just as important as anything else at university. At first I thought I had made a mistake leaving home to go to university, I found it hard to settle in and meet new people. It got to the stage were it was becoming increasingly likely that I would return home and start afresh the year after in Liverpool.
 
However, I got through it with the support of my family and the faculty staff.   Joining the men’s rugby society was also a great boost.  It was a great opportunity to meet new Freshers like myself as well as older people who could give me advice on university life. Rugby is a big part of my life and I was able to continue this passion in Derby. The club more or less became my group of friends, and by the end of the year I became a member of the first team and we successfully gained promotion to a higher league. At the end of the first season I was elected to be on next year’s committee, I will be in charge of organizing all the clubs events throughout the year. I am hoping that this experience on the committee will give me a lot of new skills enhancing my future career prospects.
 
I will be moving into a house in Derby with five friends from the rugby team in September 2009. They all started at university at the same time as me.
 
I am really looking forward to my second year at university.  I have the John Moran Trust to thank for their support.

I have had a difficult year at university having to travel home a lot, which affected my studies and grades. What exams I was able to attend I did well in but I wasn't able to achieve enough credits to enter my third year. Due to my circumstances of having to travel home a lot, and the credits I was able to achieve, my university is allowing me to continue my studies. Involvement in my normal university life was hindered, I wasn't able to play rugby for the university team as much as my first year, or meet with friends. 

I am, as always, grateful to the Moran Trust for their support, without it I wouldn't have been able to continue my studies as easily from my home. I hope that my third year of university will go much more smoothly so I can work to my full potential, and gain the grades to move into my final year.

This student repeated a year.
This past year of university has been a very productive and enjoyable one for me, I have taken on marketing modules as well as my computing modules which I've really enjoyed and received positive results from, so much so I'm planning on applying for graduate jobs within this field, specifically events management. At the end of the year I stepped down from my post on the rugby committee to allow me to focus more on studies as I enter my final year, where the workload will considerably increase. I will however continue to play rugby and offer my assistance in the running of the club throughout the season. 

This October I'll be entering my final year of university, and although I am not looking forward to the increased workload, the thought of graduating from university and entering full time employment is exciting, if not a little bit daunting! 

I must reiterate once again, without the ongoing support I receive from the John Moran Trust I am certain I wouldn't have succeeded as well as I have. It is not just the financial support that helps, but the ongoing contact I've had with the Trust since I have began at university, knowing there is somebody to go to if you are having problems, for this I am very grateful