I am in my second year of studying Science in UCD and I am really enjoying it. This program allows me to study many different areas and in the coming months, I will decide which degree in science I want to pursue. 

Before receiving this scholarship, most of my worries were based on finances. I have a sister who is attending university in Maynooth, and I knew both of us being in college was putting a lot of pressure on my mother to support us. I worried about keeping up with my college work as I was working any hours I could get in my free time to earn some extra money. In my household, we were unsure if we would be able to afford to attend a third level university with all the associated costs, but I was lucky to get a SUSI grant, as well as this scholarship. The scholarship has made a huge impact on my time in UCD, most significantly, it has allowed me to move to Dublin, instead of commuting daily from my home in Cavan. 

I put the scholarship money towards my rent and college materials, such as books and materials needed for my labs. Without this help, I don’t believe I would be able to enjoy my college experience. My scholarship has allowed me to live close to campus and avoid a three hour commute. It also  means that I do not have to work as many long hours so I have more time with friends, more time to focus on my studies and more time for extracurricular activities.

I also believe the scholarship has made me a better student. I am striving to achieve good grades and I am hoping to complete a degree in either Pharmacology or Physiology. I feel like none of these options would have been available to me had I not received this scholarship. This support has taken so many of the stresses out of my life. After graduating, I am debating whether to pursue a research career or further my studies by completing a postgraduate course. By supporting a scholarship like this, you really do change a student’s life. I believe it has completely changed my college experience for the better. I do not think I would be here now without it