“My time at UCD has been hugely enjoyable, and I have had some of the most incredible experiences while studying here. I can honestly say that I still have to pinch myself with how blessed I have been. In the area I am from, there is not nearly enough participation in third-level education. I knew that taking up my place in university would involve a lot of financial struggle but I also knew it was a risk I had to take. 

Before I knew I would receive this scholarship, graduating with my degree felt like a dream that I would never achieve. I had all the drive and determination to work hard and achieve results but I still did not know how to get there without help. Even with this scholarship, I had to work two 12 hour shifts each weekend to support myself. I struggled financially, but this scholarship, plus the knowledge that donors like you have given their hard-earned money to help give me this opportunity, helped massively to motivate me to keep working even harder. 

This scholarship is all about levelling the playing field and that is exactly what it has done for me. Every cent I have been given has been used to either help me enrich my education or advance further in the legal field. Not a penny has been wasted. I feel that I have done right by the donors who have supported me and I hope they are proud of what I have done and will continue to do. I have had the opportunity to mentor kids from disadvantaged communities and raise awareness about the possibilities of further education, through scholarships and SUSI. I can relate to the concerns they may have and have tried to alleviate them in every way possible. 

This scholarship has given me all the tools I needed to build a better future, and that is exactly what I did. It is impossible to summarise what a profound impact this scholarship can have on someone who came from nothing and has shaped a career path for themselves. UCD is built upon curious, intelligent, generous, and hardworking people and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds are no less hardworking and curious. I am living proof of the profound impact your support can have on a person’s life.”