“I was worried about my finances as I came from a single parent household and would have no financial support from my family throughout my university studies. I had been trying to save up as much as possible from my part-time job throughout leaving cert. I knew that was not nearly enough to support me, and I was very anxious about how I would afford to put myself through university. 

I was delighted to have been awarded the scholarship. I felt seen by my university as my background and financial situation was a huge barrier to the possibility of attending higher education. I was honoured to be supported by UCD alumni, and was greatly appreciative of the support the scholarship would provide throughout my studies. 

I was able to fully focus on my studies and engage in clubs and societies, as well as the Student Union, as I was not as worried about my finances. 

I had the opportunity to learn about myself, my interests and passions, as well as the space to develop both personally and professionally. I felt I was able to blossom into the person I knew I could be, instead of always worrying and being held back by my financial stress. 

I hope to make a positive impact on society through working with our healthcare system and government to improve service user experience and outcomes. My studies have been in General Nursing, however, I look forward to pivoting into my Graduate role in consulting in Autumn 2026. This scholarship allowed me to develop both personally and professionally, and has enabled me to find a career path which allowed me to find my calling.

Thank-you so much for your contributions and support. You have made my higher education journey not only possible, but the best it could be. Without your support, I may have had to leave university, and would not have had the opportunity to have such a well-rounded education in UCD. ”