Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I was worried that my financial circumstances would limit me both academically and socially. I knew that a lot of students in my class would be well off and have the newest technology for studying. Before I came to UCD, I didn’t even have a laptop, but thanks to the scholarship, I no longer have to worry about these things.

Prior to coming to UCD, I was worried that I wouldn’t get the points in my Leaving Cert and HPAT exam for Medicine. I was in a public school and couldn’t afford grinds or private education. I was not able to afford HPAT revision courses like other people I knew. It weighed heavily on me that it was up to me to get the points I needed. Thankfully, I discovered the HEAR scheme in my 6th year of school and it meant that I qualified for reduced points for my chosen courses. I was able to get into medicine with 10 points less than my classmates. The main barrier facing me when I first arrived at UCD was financing. At 18, I was already hyper-aware of my family’s low-income status but when I arrived at college, that awareness was heightened. I looked around and saw my peers who all received private tuition in secondary school and, for them, money was never going to be an issue.

My time at UCD has been incredible. I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve made some amazing friends, took part in societies and am now on my clinical placement in the Mater Hospital. The scholarship has been truly life-changing for me. It has taken the financial burden off my shoulders significantly. Given the current cost of living crisis, the scholarship has meant that I can cover my rent and any additional bills each month. I was heavily involved with the Medical Society in UCD for 3 years. I acted as a class rep in my 2nd year, secretary in my 3rd year and treasurer in my 4th year. I truly loved my time with the society. 

The scholarship helps to cover the remainder of my rent each month. I receive the SUSI grant which covers most of my rent but the scholarship means that I can afford rent and pay bills on time. Frankly, I’m not sure if I could’ve sustained a life in Dublin if I didn’t have the scholarship. I would have definitely suffered in all aspects of college. To be honest, I’m not sure if I would still be in 3rd level education if it weren’t for the scholarship. The scholarship has given me the opportunity to flourish in college and has meant that I no longer worry about how I’ll pay my bills or groceries and instead, I am now able to solely focus on my academics.

I understand that not all alumni are in a position to support a scholarship such as this one; however, to those who are, I would highly implore you to do so. This scholar has truly changed my life and because of it, I will be a doctor in 2025 and one day, I too, will be able to sponsor these scholarships so that kids like me never feel that they can’t achieve their dreams because of financial burdens. After college, I’ll complete my intern year. I’m thinking about pursuing a master’s degree at some stage as well. It is my dream to become a paediatric haematologist so I’ll start working towards that once I graduate.