Profile five

I am an eighteen year old student who has just embarked upon an English Literature degree at the University of Birmingham.  Formerly I lived in the Huyton Area of Liverpool and studied at St Edward’s College in West Derby.

At A level I achieved two A grades and two B grades in English Literature, Performing Arts, Psychology and History respectively. I have always displayed a keen interest in English and I am looking forward to further enhancing my knowledge of the subject at university level.

Since my Mum passed away, almost seven years ago, I have lived with my older brother, his fiancée and my three nieces.  I have felt obliged, however, to work to help contribute towards the cost of keeping me, and so have worked alongside my studies since the age of fifteen which, at times, has placed a strain on my education.  The added financial burden of university would have really been a big worry and almost certainly have meant that I would not have been able to spend as much time on my academic work because of having to work long hours to support myself.

The grant that I was awarded by the John Moran Educational Trust has relieved this financial pressure and meant that I can concentrate on university life rather than having to agonize over money issues.

I am really looking forward to being involved in the dramatic arts and enhancing my experience on the stage at university in preparation for applying to drama schools after I finish my degree.  Ultimately my dream is to be part of the Royal Shakespeare Company which, of course, is a big ambition but with hard work and perseverance, attainable.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thanks the trustees for the support and interest they have shown and for the generous grant they have awarded me. It really will make a difference to my university year and beyond.  Thank you.

Embarking on my second year of university this week, I stopped for a moment to reflect on the past twelve months.  I had a really enjoyable year making new friends, visiting new places, trying new things and, of course, studying!  Living in a major city, the cost of living is high enough without the added burden of books, laptop and other university necessities.  The bursary I received from the Trust helped towards my accommodation expenses which eased the financial strain meaning I could afford to work less and so spend more time on my studies.  As I look forward to the next year I would like to thank the trustees for their support and generosity. It is much appreciated and has been truly beneficial.

The gratefully received money from the trust this year has gone towards my accommodation costs; after living in Halls of Residence in my first year I moved into a house -share for my second year with four of my friends.  Being situated nearer to the university campus and library has made my learning easier, and living with friends my social life more exciting!  This year has been a stirring venture, and although the English Literature course I am on at the University of Birmingham has become more challenging, I have enjoyed my studies and look forward to undertaking my final year there.  I have also been involved in more university productions this year, one of which we are hoping to take to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.  Changing my part time job too, so that I now work for Halifax bank, has proven worthwhile bringing with it graduation prospects.

During the past three years I have been reading English at the University of Birmingham and I am very pleased to say that I am just about to graduate with a 2:1. The grant that the John Moran Educational Trust very kindly provided me with has made it so much easier for me to cope financially whilst studying. It has taken much of the stress from my shoulders.  I will always be very grateful to them not only for their generosity but also for their genuine, continued support and interest in my future. I can’t thank them enough!