What previously successful applicants had to say.

We asked the students, to whom the charity has made awards, to tell you a little about themselves and what the award had meant to them.

Profile one

I am an eighteen year old student from Liverpool living at home with my mum, dad and sister, about to start studying at the University of Oxford.

Prior to this I was educated at Gateacre Comprehensive School where my hobbies included socialising with my friends, walking, reading and going on school trips such as the French Exchange, Duke of Edinburgh and water sports holidays.

Since the age of 16 W.H. Smiths have employed me at weekends. I will continue to work for them during the holidays.

At university I hope to have a go at rowing, badminton, student journalism and get involved in the university politics scene.

Having got good G.C.S.E. grades and 4 As at A level in History, Politics, Geography and Religious Education I gained a place at Oxford to read Modern History, which I have always been passionate about.

Going to Oxford had been my ambition for a long time. However, coming from a family with no previous tradition of higher education and a sister currently at the University of Liverpool, financing my three year course was going to be tough. Together with the demands of tuition fees and accommodation costs and studying in one of the UK's most expensive cities, the cost was almost prohibitive.

I have spent an amazing two years at Oxford making many new friends and taking up a whole range of new sports, such as jogging, fencing and hockey. This year I have become involved in organising my college’s Summer Arts Festival and become a member of the University’s Undergraduate History Committee. I also spent four months studying at Princeton University in the United States as part of a student exchange programme. This was a great opportunity to experience life in a different country, travel throughout the United States and Canada and, of course, to study at one of the United States most demanding and exciting universities. I am currently planning my undergraduate thesis which, at the moment, will be taking me to the medieval village of Conques in the south of France.

Going to Oxford had been my ambition for a long time. Financing my three years course was always going to be tough. The very generous financial help the trust is providing me with is, therefore, immeasurably valuable in the help it has given me towards my accommodation costs and towards my time at Princeton. I cannot thank the trustees enough for granting me this award.

We were delighted to hear that this student had successfully graduated from Merton this year.  This is what he wrote about the help given to him by the John Moran Educational Trust.

‘This should be the thank you note to end all thank you notes, but I’m really stumped to put down in words how much I appreciate the work of yourself and the other trustees.  The award has made my Oxford life so much more fulfilled, so much more exciting, so much more interesting than it would otherwise have been.  I’m simply not sure I would have been able to go without it, and even if I had gone, I imagine I would have been extremely restrained by finance – luckily you guys stepped in and made it all so much easier……’

Profile two

Firstly I would like to say how proud and grateful I was to receive this award. The money will be extremely useful as a lap top computer is essential and there are various other things I will need which will be equally important for my course and consequently my career.

As a child I found it very difficult to write down my school work and was finally diagnosed as being dyslexic. In spite of this and after a lot of hard work I managed to get four A levels (all grade D's) and am now at Keele University studying Physics and Astro Physics.

My leisure activities include basket ball, football, cycling and fishing. I was a boy scout until the age of sixteen and thoroughly enjoyed going camping and helping with the younger boys.

In my last couple of years at school I helped to organise Christmas parties for pensioners- one year as Father Christmas- very enjoyable.

I would like to thank the Trust, most sincerely, for granting me this award. It will make such a difference to my time at university.

Over the past two years I have been furthering my understanding of the core principles of astrophysics, including mechanics, evolution of stars, quantum physics and more. The course has also led me to discover the world of programming used to make sense of the huge amounts of data collected by the top astronomical equipment we use.

Since my very first week at Keele, despite never having played a rugby match before, I have been working at my game and even representing Keele University in the BUSA league on Wednesday afternoons. Through my dedication and hard training I have been improving my fitness and also my knowledge of the game. Furthermore, this past year I trained to be a certified National Foundation Referee. I enjoy the team nature of the sport and have formed some strong friendships within the club.

Living in Halls has been a lot of fun. I think I’ve made the most of the opportunity to meet lots of different people and have made some great friends. Although we discovered that a block of thirty seven lads can do a fair amount of damage to one kitchen over the course of a year! I’m definitely glad to be going back into halls next year, as it’s the best place to be.

As far as my plans for the future go, I’m quite keen on the prospect of going into teacher training, once I’ve got my degree under my belt. As well as leading to a rewarding career it will give me a chance to use the skills that going to University has given me, and to help future generations with their education.

We were  delighted to learn that this student graduated this year from Keele.   This is what he wrote
' I’ve had the best time of my life at Keele and I would like to thank you very much for all your help.
Without your support things would have been very difficult for me and I am not sure I would have made it.'

Your contribution made it possible for me to achieve what was a dream for me and my family and I will always be grateful to you.’

Profile three

I am the first member of my family to attend a Higher Education Course.  In addition to this I chose to study music which, in general, was not regarded as an orthodox choice by the educational establishments I attended.  In order to progress I independently sought the advice of specialised tutors.

I love music and play the saxophone.  I also have a keen interest in literature and film.

I have eleven GCSEs and a grade A in Music Technology at AS level.  I achieved three grade As at A level in Music, English Literature and Psychology and a grade C for General Studies.  I am now studying at the Royal Northern College of Music.

The award I was given by the John Moran Education Trust towards my accommodation costs has provided me with greater opportunity and has allowed me to reside in a hall of residence close to the college which is usually very costly. This also gave me the opportunity to share halls with other musicians. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Trustees once again for their decision.

My first year at music college has been extremely valuable, enriching and not least enjoyable.  Although it took some time to adapt to an extremely competitive and intensive musical environment, this has in effect built up my confidence in many areas.  The opportunity to mix with other similar students from Britain and abroad has aided my development not only on a technical and musical level but in many other aspects.  Although the degree course specialises in performance, there are also several academic aspects to the course including the history of music, musicianship and pedagogy. These are all vital areas of the profession even for those who strive to be purely performers as they are all aspects which greater inform the individual, therefore enhancing the result of performance.

I would like to thank the Trustees for their continued support and interest.

This year has been quite tough because of illness. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with Glandular Fever around Christmas time which took its toll during early 2005 and stopped me playing for a few months. I have completed all my year two academic work with some degree of success (rather this than taking a whole year out!) I managed to get my practical exams deferred until September in order to receive the fairest possible assessment. I was, therefore, very pleased to get a first for my end of year recital and a 2:1 for my technical assessment.  Positive outcomes of this year also include a performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London with the Royal Northern College of Music Big Band late in 2004. I have also had time to consider areas of specialism in choosing my electives for years three and four.  I will hopefully be focusing on ensemble/chamber music and conducting and perhaps a dissertation.  I am also considering applying for a placement in a local secondary school in conjunction with my career decisions.

The award given to me by the trust has enabled me to pay a substantial contribution to wards my accommodation fees which is the main concern of most students during their first years away from home.  This has allowed me to focus on my study and professional development.  Without help from the Trust I would have found it very difficult to manage my finances and afford accommodation costs through my degree course.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the decision of the Trustees.

Year three allowed a lot of exciting opportunities, one of the highlights playing with the RNCM Symphony orchestra at the Bridgewater hall in Manchester.  It also allowed opportunities to play with several different groups including the brass and wind ensembles.  A particularly memorable combination was for a recording of Manchester University student’s new composition for three male voices and small wind ensemble.

This year I set myself targets playing pieces that were technically and emotionally much more demanding for my end of year recital, resulting in a very positive outcome.  Academically I was introduced to the Psychology of Music and gained great insight into the uses of music in everyday life, emotion, memory and cognition.  This was really interesting and aided my understanding of how music can be used in education.  Teacher shadowing at the Junior RNMC formed part of the Pedagogy strand of the course. Advanced musicianship classes allowed me to develop my aural, improvisation and transcription skills.
Overall year three has opened up my mind to more genres and uses for music both in a practical and theoretical context.  I now look forward to an exciting and challenging fourth and final year.

My fourth year has been extremely busy but has allowed me to specialise and study specific, exciting areas in more depth. I have been assessed in performance of contemporary wind repertoire, composition, conducting as well as appearances with several college ensembles. Along with this I am starting to develop my teaching and now hold a part time post as woodwind tutor in a secondary school, along with independent teaching with other organisations. These experiences have allowed me to hand on my passion for the subject to younger generations.  I am thoroughly enjoying my teaching and have gained a place on a PGCE course in music and specialist instrumental teaching. I am due to start in September and will remain in Manchester.  

I have also been performing with several bands and artists, reaching many different audiences around the North of England.  There are also gigs and appearances further afield already lined up.

Accommodation costs are rising rapidly and the support that you have provided for my fourth year has allowed me to secure a flat in an appropriate, safe location close enough to college that I am able to travel to/from various activities during the day and evening. Without this support I would have had to wait for my student loan to clear in late September before looking for accommodation after term had started.  The main financial burden that the award has alleviated this year is the large deposit sum that most renting properties require and the first couple of months rent. I was able to focus purely on my studies without the stress of extra financial worries.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Trustees for the decision to continue support through my fourth year

This student has now graduated

I was very pleased with my final results although a little frustrated as I was just over one percent of a first!  Very pleasing overall though!  I am well into my PGCE  course and I am on my induction place in school at the moment.  I’m really enjoying this and have found it very interesting (and lots of intense work)

Profile four

I am eighteen years old and currently living at home  I have just started Business Studies at John Moores University.  This is a four year course. The first year of study involves areas that I covered at A level so I am looking forward to my second year when I will be introduced to new material.  I am also looking forward to my placement in the third year.  I am interested in Human Resources and hopefully the work I will undertake will be in that field.

I have worked at my local Tescos for the last couple of years and besides the financial benefits I have also made many friends over that period.

I feel that the award that I have received will be very helpful and will ensure that I will not have to do lots of extra hours at Tescos.  I will, therefore,  be able to spend more time on my studies.

The process for applying for this grant was straightforward and the Trustees have been both helpful and friendly.

When I started university in September I went with two friends that I had been at school with.  As a result of this I found it quite difficult to make new friends.  During Fresher’s week there were lots of events taking place but for various reasons I did not attend any of these.  Looking back I feel if I had the chance again I would make more of an effort to attend some of these events.  This might have helped me to settle more easily into university life.

We were told in our first week that the modules we would be studying in our first year would be required to help us in our second year of the course.  Some of these modules included microeconomics, foundations of law and data interpretation.  At first some of these modules seemed really difficult.  Once the past papers had been looked at, however, and a fair amount of revision had been carried out the thought of sitting an exam in some of these modules no longer seemed so daunting.

When carrying out coursework, the main new task which was required was the way in which quotes had to be referenced. The Harvard referencing system was used to do this, but at first it seemed like a complicated system to use, however, after carrying out several pieces of coursework we soon became accustomed to this way of working.

Overall after completing my first year of university life I would say that it was a lot different to what I expected.

I now socialise with a large group of people and I am looking forward to starting my second year as I am now more settled and the modules look a lot more interesting.

Finally I would like to thank the trustees of the John Moran Trust for awarding this grant to me as it has been very useful over the past year and will be throughout the duration of my time at university. I have been working at Tescos for the past few years and continued to do this.  The money I have been given by the Trust has meant that I have not had to work as many hours at Tescos.  This has enabled me to concentrate more on my studies.  Some of the money I receive pays for books that I need for my course.  It also helps towards my transport costs.

A month into my second year at university I left Tesco where I had been doing part time work to supplement my living costs and started working for a handling agent at Liverpool Airport where I have now been working for a year.  I really enjoy every part of the job which includes checking in flights, working hard behind the reservations desk and dealing with the arrivals and departures of flights.

I found the modules a lot more interesting in my second year at university.  Modules included the principles of Marketing, the principles of Human Resources Management and Research Methods of Business.

During my second year a lot of time was spent applying for jobs for my placement in third year.  I applied for a variety of jobs most of which were within Human Resources.  Throughout the year I attended about six interviews before being offered a position at MBNA in the Marketing Department.  Having been rejected for so many positions I was relieved to finally be offered a position and accepted it.  A month later I started the job in Chester but did not enjoy it at all.

I decided to leave MBNA and return to university to complete my final year.  I will now graduate with a Business Administration Degree.

I would recommend to anyone applying for placements to keep applying as it takes a long time before you finally get offered a placement. When offered a placement thing long and hard before you actually accept it or you could end up in a position like I did.

I have just found out that I got a 2:1

Although it was much harder than my first two years of university I thoroughly enjoyed my final year. One of the reasons for this was that the majority of the modules which I undertook were ones which I had picked myself.  I particularly enjoyed the Strategic Human Resources Management and Development modules.

My biggest success in my final year was gaining 80% in my dissertation.  By starting this early in the course and staying in contact with my assigned tutor, I was able to complete this a month in advance to ensure I had extra time to revise for my four exams in May

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.

Profile six

Having no long standing history of Higher Education in my family I found the prospect of going to university daunting, especially because of  the high levels of debt associated with it.   But as I progressed through school I excelled in Science subjects – especially Biology (mostly in the Human related aspects)  I think that the genius about the body is its utter simplicity in the ways it deals with problems, but it is one of the most complex biochemical entities we know of, because to this day we still do not fully understand all of its inner workings!

I have always taken great personal satisfaction from helping people. Examples during my school days were helping people in the road who may have fallen down and assisting out of  breath OAP’s I encountered.  Not very dramatic or heroic but I knew the people I helped were grateful. Following my G.C.S.E. results (9 A grades) I was motivated by the fact that I knew I had the ability to achieve any dream which I chose and because of this I set my heart on Medicine as I saw it as an extension of this role.

I started my A levels in anticipation and was on track to continue as I had done previously, strengthening my application with various courses and volunteer work. It was around this time that my only parent was incapacitated by illness. This happened very quickly, almost over night it seemed.  This event seriously disrupted my life and my grades.  As a result I failed to gain a place at University.

I took the following year as an opportunity to right this and took control of my home life by getting to grips with the new demands made upon me. It was during this time that my school , knowing my situation suggested that I apply to the John Moran Trust.

Finally following A level re sits I managed to achieve a university place to study medicine – having achieved 2 A grades and a B grade at A level. In one of the modules I achieved 100%

I have now started at university and I am extremely grateful to the trustees for having selected me to receive one of their awards. I have put this towards buying a PC for myself.  This is the first PC I have ever owned.  It is extremely important for my course as all the directions for learning are almost purely based on-line. I have also used some of the money towards the cost of essential textbooks for my course.

I have now completed my first year of study and can honestly say that it has been absolutely fantastic. Best put – the course is a roller coaster ride.  I marveled at the manner in which the theoretical material that I was taught at A level was put into real life practice and was also pushed hard during the times that entire evenings disappeared into the night as I researched information for my modules.

The grant played a key role in enabling me to pass my first year exams.  The books it allowed me to purchase formed the essential core that my knowledge became embedded upon (and will continue to do so in the second year). Similarly, the computer played a key role. It was crucial in filling in the information gaps that the books did not have.  It was also central in the construction of my course work piece, without which my progression to the next year of study could not have taken place.  Finally it was my direct link to my course intranet –the system through which the students are informed of practically everything they need to know and do.

I have enormous gratitude to the John Moran Trust for this support that they are providing me during this time and can only hope that I will be able to repay this through the successful completion of my course.

I have just successfully finished my second year  - passing all of my exams, which allows me to progress on into year three.  Looking back it has been very tough with this academic year being the longest I will ever progress through (so much so that the university campus became like a ghost town as all the other students went home for their summer holidays) Second year also marked a very important landmark for me as it was the first time I started real clinical placements (including things like taking my first bloods and attending surgery!)

The support that the extra financial backing provided to me was essential for my living over this longer academic period.  At the beginning of the year I was also able to purchase key texts for my course, if I had not had the trust’s backing this would simply not have been an option for me.  The books were very important, as with the extension of clinical aspects of the course and with the maintenance of the theoretical class room work, so the time available becomes more precious and so a greater efficiency is required. These books provided me with that ability and so I was able to better meet the demands asked of me.  They were also instrumental in the passing of my exams as the material they covered (and which I studied closely) turned out to be the core material selected for one of the exams I sat. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have been given.  I look back now and see the tremendous progression I have gone through and then forwards and realise how much more is to come (as I have yet to reach half way on my course!)  Experiencing hospital for the first time taught me two very important things. The first was a reconfirmation that becoming a doctor with all of its responsibilities was the correct decision.  I have been privileged enough to have been able to witness others use this responsibility first hand and seen the great good it can achieve (I could probably write a book after a single year of all the wondrous experiences I have gone through and witnessed). The second is that I have a long way to go and to get through that will take great patience and hard work before I’m ready for that position and responsibility myself.

Profile seven

Can I begin by expressing my absolute gratitude to all associated with the John Moran Trust, I believe what you do greatly increases the student’s chances of success at University and certainly takes a lot of weight off the shoulders. I am still over the moon that I was chosen for the award and also proud that the trustees had faith in me.

Before I started University I attended Gateacre Comprehensive School for five years and a further two years in 6th form.  I initially had no plans to advance from 6th  form to University, as I honestly believed I wasn’t smart enough or shaped for the responsibilities.  But after speaking with those close to me: family, friends and certain teachers from Gateacre, I began to believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it.  From early January I got stuck in to my studies to earn the UCAS points required for my course of Multimedia systems at LJMU.

During my time in 6th form I had a fair bit of trouble at home.  My mum leaving Liverpool resulted in me having to leave home to live with my aunt whilst my dad and younger sister had to move into a hostel, to mention just a part of it.  I was also struggling with money, as I was now financially independent and earning a part time salary as a barman. In spite of the personal troubles around me, with strong determination and motivation from friends and my dad in particular, I carried on pushing for the points I needed.

It was during an assembly in sixth form that I learned about the John Moran Trust.  After the assembly I was reluctant to follow up the application, thinking I had no chance, but I found myself outside the Year Head’s office. I explained my situation and he replied he thought I had a strong chance and told me to give it a shot.

After sending my application and a letter to the Trust I received a reply telling me they wished to meet me in person, which I was now absolutely terrified about.

At the meeting I stood outside the room door for what seemed like eight hours.  I eventually managed to take a deep breath and walk in to meet the trustees and I was amazed at how relaxed I now was.  I honestly didn’t even need to glance down towards my prepared speech.  I was just honest and open with the trustees and I received the same reception back. I left the meeting with a strong sense of happiness and pride.

Later that night I received a ‘phone call to inform me that the trustees had decided to award me £1000 per year for the duration of my time at LJMU and also, since I was going to buy a computer if I succeeded, they had decided to pay for a computer for me to the value of £800.  My auntie said my permanent smile was making my face wider.  Of course I would only receive the award if I gained the points in sixth form. My will to succeed was as high as ever and I often found myself staying behind to do that extra bit of work, often into the late evening.

When the results came through the post I opened the envelope to find I had gained the points by a mile. I was officially the first member of my family to go to Uni.

I’m now 3 months into the course and I’m finding it both difficult and interesting. I revel in challenges though and I know if I keep on giving it my best I will get rewards. Best bit of advice I could give is to stay focused.  Making new friends is easy – two words – Fresher's Week!

Can I finish by saying thanks again to the trustees. The money has come in very useful so far, paying for my books and computer equipment and generally getting through the day.  I won’t forget what the trust has done for me.

I have recently started my second year at university having earned enough credits at level 1 to continue. I had a fairly surprising year at LJMU, in respect of the huge change to lifestyle, the newfound financial responsibilities and the pressures of staying personally motivated.  Although I struggled at first  to adjust to the teaching methods used at university I have learned that you can’t rely on a teacher to teach you new skills, you must learn for yourself.

I had six, year long modules in my first year, all with a number of coursework assignments and/or exams to complete with all results making up a final grade for that module.  I passed four out of the six modules having struggled in one particular area of my Multimedia course, the Programming Languages Section.  I enjoyed a lot of these modules especially the group coursework assignments as I got to compare skills with others and to meet new friends.

This year I have to re-take the two modules I failed at Level I coupled with the two new modules.  Although this sounds difficult I have every confidence I will do well as I believe I will use the mistakes I made last year as a learning opportunity.  I have plans to join the cross-country team and maybe go on a trip or two organised by the Student Union as I think I should have given the whole ‘student life’ part of university more chance last year.  At the moment I have no immediate coursework or exam, instead we are concentrating on sorting out our placements for next year as we all go on work experience in 2007 to learn Multimedia skills in the industry. I have recently completed and handed in my C.V. I am looking forward to this year and all the possibilities.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Trustees at the John Moran Trust not only for the financial aid they provided me with in my first year but also for the constant motivation I received via email. The advice lifted my spirits and gave me a welcome shove in the right direction. Thank you to all associated with the Trust..

Sadly because of varied pressures and difficulties this student has taken the decision to leave university. 

It is difficult to know what to write following leaving university back in January.  At the moment I have two jobs.  I still have my barman work on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and I am a binman during the week working 6a.m. – 3.30p.m.  I still do have ambitions in writing and literature and I still intend to go back to university but at the minute I am trying to earn enough money to be comfortable if I go back to university and to repay some of my debts both educational and personal. To put a date on when I re apply I should say maybe 2008.  Personally I think I have learned a lot over the past six months.  It has been really hard coping with leaving university and I had to deal with self belief issues and things related to that but once I’m comfortable with my finances and home life I will be ready to tackle university again.

My advice to any student would be to ensure that you are completely happy with your choice of course.  If you think you are, do a little more research, read what current students and graduates on the course say, find out if they enjoyed it and what problems they encountered, then look at similar courses and find out if they have more benefit than your original course.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to do your research because once you enrol that is it and it is very complicated to change and get back on track.

I would also say prepare yourself mentally.  Don’t think it’s all parties and meeting new friends.  Use play as a reward for your hard work.  It is very different to senior school in the sense that at times you feel you are quite alone with your work and your problems and a teacher won’t always be there to help you.

On a personal note can I just thank the Trust for a final time for showing faith in me prior to the course and during it.  The advice I received was very motivating.  My friends are telling me to get back to university but I have my own plan in my head and I intend to stick to it.

Profile eight

I’m an eighteen year old student from Liverpool on my way to London and about to start a BA (Hons) Acting course at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Before summer I attended St Mary’s College, Crosby and left with 2As and 2Bs in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Drama.

Performing Arts have long been a passion of mine.  I got my first taste of the performance drug when I played the seagull in ‘The Snowman’ when I was four.  I’ve been going from strength to strength since.  I’ve been a professional performer since I was six and have been lucky enough to work with some really respectable companies, including Cameron Mackintosh, English National Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, National Ballet, Youth Theatre and National Youth Ballet.  I’ve even gone so far as to set up my own theatre company, last performing Antigone at the Unity theatre back in April 2005 and over this summer I’ve taught at the Lowry as Assistant Musical Director and at Shockout Performing Arts as the Drama and Singing teacher.  It’s a big part of my life.

I was also lucky enough to get my top choice university and for this I had the great satisfaction of turning down an offer from Cambridge!! I am the first member of my immediate family to go on to higher education and with my Dad being forced into retirement by company policy when he reached sixty and my Mum being unable to work because of long term illness, university looked like it might not happen due to financial restrictions.  The problems were further multiplied by the fact that the course itself is so notoriously intense, with most days lasting from 9am to 6pm or longer still depending on whether it’s near show time or not.  This means that finding a job will be very difficult and barely workable.  The very generous sum offered from the John Moran Trust will certainly help ease the burden and I am very thankful to them for it.

Central School of Speech and Drama is one of the best drama schools in the world and has trained the likes of Laurence Olivier, Dame Judi Dench, James Nesbitt, and Vanessa Redgrave among countless others. Once I finish my course, I hope to work in the West End in musicals and then perhaps work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. Though these are high aims and though the theatre industry is famous for the amount of luck involved for a person to be successful, I believe that luck is where hard work meets determination and enthusiasm will carry me onwards and upwards!

Once again a big thank you to the John Moran Trust for their financial contribution (£1000 per year for each of the three years of my course). It has helped relieve some of the financial worry and I cannot thank you enough.

The first year has been extremely difficult, as was to be expected, peppered with sixty seven hour weeks amongst other things. My skill as a performer has been picked apart and put together again.  It’s been a thoroughly exhausting three terms.  However, it’s also been very enjoyable (in a masochistic sort of way) and a real eye opener.  It’s been made a lot easier thanks to the bursary from the John Moran Trust, and so without the lurking shadow of money at the back of my mind, I’ve been able to worry about the more important things, like keeping my feet on the ground and learning lines.  I really appreciate what the John Moran Trust have done for me, and I look forward to the challenge of second year.

Profile nine

I am eighteen years old and have just started my first year at Liverpool, John Moore’s University studying Media Professional Studies. Having no previous experience of higher education in my family it was a proud moment when I received my letter form UCAS explaining that I had been accepted by my first choice University.

 I studied Media at Holly Lodge Girl’s College and gained a grade A at GCSE level.  At A level I achieved a grade B in Media and History and grade A in Psychology.

When I began applying for University I initially wanted to live in the halls of residence in order to gain the full experience of University life. However, I had to face the fact that it would be impossible for me to afford it, even after I applied for my student loan as this was just enough to cover the costs of day to day living let alone the new computer I had planned on buying.

I expressed my worries to my teacher and she told me about the John Moran Educational Trust.  As I walked into the interview room I saw four of the trustees sitting behind a long table and I felt so scared.  But the interview was really informal and the trustees were really friendly and made me feel more relaxed.

The next day I received a ‘phone call from one of the trustees telling me I had been chosen to receive a non-repayable grant from the trust of £1000 a year and I cannot tell you how many times I said thank you as I was so shocked at the same time as being thrilled.  It felt as if I had won the lottery, as I knew this money would make my life so much easier when I got to university and I felt the weight had been taken from my shoulders.

I am extremely grateful to the trust, as the grant has enabled me to buy the new computer I needed for university. The worries of financially affording to complete my course are no longer such a burden, thus, enabling me to get the most from my course. I would just like to say thanks again to the trustees for all your help.  I realise how lucky I am to have the help of The John Moran Trust and hope I can do the same for people who cannot afford university in the future.

My first year at university has been amazing! I have made so many new friends from all over the country and feel that I have become a lot more independent since coming to university.  I have also learnt a lot more about my own creative skills in terms of film making.  During the course I made a short film about a drug addict and I also made a documentary which gives people an insight into the lives of asylum seekers.  I feel I have developed a real passion for documentary making and would love to take this further in the Media industry.

I am currently planning out some documentary ideas to make over the summer and I have also applied to lots of companies for a summer work placement .  This would not have been possible without the help given to me from the John Moran Trust. They have made my life at university so much easier in terms of financial worries and enabled me to get the most from my course and thoroughly enjoy my first year or university.

Profile ten

I am an eighteen year old student and the first member of my family to attend university which in itself is very daunting.  I completed my A levels at St Julie’s Sixth Form where I successfully achieved my grades to gain a place on a degree course.  When I was studying I was doing a part time job in order to save a little for university and also to help at home as I am from a big family. In my spare time I enjoy dancing and going out with friends.

From the age of sixteen, after completing my work experience in a Law firm, I have shown a keen interest in the subject and wanted to pursue it as a future career.  I therefore decided to apply to study Law at University.

The award has allowed me to spend my first year in university halls which I’m happy about.  Living away from home is worrying me slightly but I hope to make the most of my time there, making new friends and getting to know a new city.

The whole thought of university was overshadowed by the financial costs, although I knew it would be better for my education and open more career options.  Being the first of five siblings to attend university and also living away from home was a huge step.  When I heard about the John Moran Trust I felt it would benefit me a lot so I applied.

I feel my financial worries have been lessened thanks to the award given to me.  I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.  I would like to say a huge thanks to all involved in the Trust as it has helped me significantly.

My first year at Nottingham Trent University has disappeared so fast!! I think I spent so long worrying about how I would get on with life away from home.  All at The John Moran Trust were helpful in the fact that I received a number of emails of continued support asking how I was getting on.

I feel I settled into university life fairly well and although I had no previous experience of law at A level found the first year of the course very interesting.  Although university teaching is so different to being at school or sixth form the university offered academic advisors to offer support with this, which I took advantage of.  They offered advice on things such as how you were planning your free time, coursework, preparing for seminars and how to make the most out of them.

At first I felt shy within my seminar group but I felt these meetings with my academic advisor gave me more confidence to speak out and give my opinion which I am now not afraid to do.  I now realise that it’s my degree I’m working for, and no one else’s so why should I waste opportunities of learning, just because I’m embarrassed about what people think?   Besides most of the time everyone else was thinking the exact same thing as me.

In my first year I have completed seven pieces of course work up to now which is a lot of hard work! However I was really pleased with my grades, which helped boost my confidence leading up to my exams this month.  I am pleased how I worked this year and I hope my results will reflect the work I have put in.

I have now made plans to live in a house next year with four girls who I have become friends with through living in halls and from my course.  The house we have chosen for next year is much closer to the university than the halls we stayed in this year which is a great bonus. Next year I will obviously learn from a couple of mistakes I have made this year but I think that learning from mistakes is part of growing as an independent person and adjusting to adult learning which up to now I am doing successfully

Profile eleven

I'm eighteen years old and I studied Art, Biology and Chemistry to A-Level and Physics to AS-Level at Holy Family Catholic High School in Thornton, Liverpool. I achieved AAB in these subjects respectively, which I was overjoyed with, as I found Chemistry in particular a real struggle. Art, on the other hand, was incredible and very absorbing. I could just paint for hours because it took my mind off everything else. Prior to A-Level, I had achieved 5 A*s and 6 As at GCSE, two of which were taken a year early. Outside of school, I have completed my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which taught me a lot about teamwork and commitment. I have also attained Grade 6 with Merit in cello and am currently working towards my Grade 8, to be taken in October this year. I have been playing since I was eleven and it has given me such pleasure. Regular concerts with Sefton Youth String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, where I was principal cellist, really increased my confidence.
 
I am the first member of my family to go to university, which is very exciting as I will be experiencing everything first-hand. I will be studying Human Genetics at the University of Newcastle and can't wait to live in a different city, and study a subject that I have a real interest in. The study of genetics first gripped me when I read a book by Steve Jones, 'In The Blood'. It's a fantastic read which discusses not only the black-and-white facts of genetics, but the religious, moral and human aspects too. I then discovered another of his, titled 'The Language of The Genes', and  I am now in the middle of 'The Seven Daughters of Eve' by Bryan Sykes and 'Genome' by Matt Ridley. Together with a brief and basic introduction at A-Level, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue further.
 
It was my Head of Year who encouraged me to apply for an award from the John Moran Educational Trust, as she knew I would have financial difficulty in university otherwise. The award which the Trust have so kindly given me will be used to pay for accommodation, since being one of four (with 4 step-brothers and sisters) my parents cannot afford to pay towards my university costs. It means that I won't have to work so many hours in a part-time job in order to pay for my rent, so allowing me more time for study, because I know that my course will be intense and difficult. Past part-time jobs include being a hairdressing assistant, working in my local Spar, cleaning at my old primary school, working in a restaurant and more recently, working as a waitress and barmaid at a small cafe near where I live. I have worked since I was 15 to ensure that I can pay for my books, clothes and other school and musical essentials, but I have been unable to save for my time at university, so I am so grateful for this help.
 
I can't say thank you enough to the Trust for their help, as it will make my time spent at university so much more enjoyable.

Profile twelve

I am eighteen years old, and have just began my 5 year course in medicine at Leeds University.  I attended St Mary’s College for seven years, and participated in many extra activities whilst there. I was the leader of the schools first orchestra, a member of the choir, stage band, quartet, gospel choir and mission week music group. In my final year, I was awarded the position of Head girl, which I was very proud to hold.
 
In the summer of 2006, I gained a Nuffield bursary which was a fantastic experience. It involved going to the school of Tropical Medicine for four weeks, where I would attend ward rounds, shadowing the consultant, and would also carry out research about respiratory diseases in Angola . The research article that I produced at the end of the four weeks was actually published in AJRM, which is the African journal for respiratory medicine (September 2006).
 
In Lower 6th I held a job as a sales advisor for a new housing development. This helped me to improve my communication skills but it also enabled me to help my parents, who have always struggled financially.  Although I gained the Edmund Rice Scholarship it was still necessary for my parents to make many sacrifices in putting me through private education. 
 
The John Moran Grant is so useful for this reason. My parents are unable to financially support me throughout my degree, and this grant has enabled me to purchase a laptop and also six Medical books which are very expensive at around fifty pounds each!!!

Without this fantastic help from the John Moran Trustees, I would have had to make daily trips to the library to access a computer, which would have been very inconvenient and would have wasted a lot of time which could be spent studying.
 
At Leeds, I have joined the medics’ football team and also the medics’ and dentists hockey team. I am also a member of the medics’ choir and the gospel choir and I will be auditioning for the university orchestra in the next few weeks. I plan to enjoy university life to the full and the John Moran grant has been a fundamental factor in making that happen.

Achieving a place at Leeds Medical School is a great achievement for me as I am the first person in my family to proceed to higher education. It is so rewarding to see that all of the hard work from my parents and I has finally paid off, and I can now do something that I have always dreamed of.
 
The grant of £1000 a year will enable me to contribute to university life fully and words can’t really describe how grateful I am to the trustees for this. This money has greatly eased my financial strain and I really do appreciate being given this opportunity.

Profile thirteen

I currently live at home with my younger brother, my sister and my mum. I have always wanted to go to university to study an area of law.  My ultimate aim is to join the Merseyside police.  I attended Formby High school from the age of eleven and continued into the sixth form. These have no doubt been the best years of my life so far!  I had many friends and we all enjoyed nothing better than spending time together at the cinema or bowling.

At sixth form I have achieved an A (distinction) in ICT, B in sociology and C in English which earned me enough points to be accepted at John Moores University to study Criminal Justice. This is a course which I am extremely interested in due to the close connection that it has with the Police Force.  I am really looking forward to university.  I will be the first member of my immediate family to attend and thus I feel I have the responsibility of ‘leading the way’ to a very successful future.  However, I feel that I would have struggled extremely if I hadn’t been awarded £1000 from the John Moran Trust for each year that I am studying and I would just like to say that you, the trustees, have had such a great impact on my life – I was so, so nervous about debt and trying to afford university but now I feel great and the grant will help me considerably to purchase books etc.
Just a note for anyone who is unsure about applying for this grant.  What is there to lose? When I went to the interview I was very nervous, however, there is no need to be.  The trustees have made life so much more fun and enjoyable – and I haven’t even started university yet.
Once again, trustees, thank you very much.  I am determined to do well at university and  convince you that you have made the correct decision in awarding me this grant.