Changing lives through philanthropic giving

First Generation scholar, Maryam, describes how a chance encounter at college led to her following her dreams of studying psychology at Manchester Met. 

The first in her family to go to university, higher education has given her opportunities that she had never dreamt of. Maryam didn’t think that university was a possibility for her. But after visiting a scholarship stall at college, she found out about the support that was available to her through the university’s Disabled Students’ Allowance and First Generation Programme. 

This was a turning point, making her realise how much she wanted to go to university. Spurred on by the potential of an exciting new path and encouragement from the admissions team, Maryam made her application. 

Enrolled as a new scholar, Maryam was invited onto campus before the official start of term to settle in. Being part of the First Generation Programme gave her confidence and a sense of community as she found her feet. 

University staff and scholar ambassadors played a pivotal role in building Maryam’s confidence, encouraging her to believe in herself and to get involved with university life.   

Maryam said: “Their belief in me has taught me what I can achieve and what I can give back to others. During my studies I managed to put my hand in every single pie. I helped my fellow students as a careers associate and I supported new First Generation scholars as an ambassador. I love giving back and I think visibility is really important. 

“Supporting others and seeing how they blossom fills me with a kind of pride that I can’t explain.” 

Maryam’s dissertation explored the different cultural barriers that students face and how they overcome them. This has shown her the importance of representation and she feels that this will play a big part of her future as a clinical psychologist. 

She explained: “When I first thought about being a psychologist I didn’t see anyone who looked like me and now I want to show others that they can do it too and if they need help their experience and cultural background will be understood.” 

Maryam’s success has been an inspiration to others. Her sister has followed in her footsteps, studying Accounting and Finance at the university.

Scholarship schemes at Manchester Met are funded by donors and Maryam has a message for them: “Thank you does not sum up the amount of appreciation I have for your support. I don’t think I could ever put into words how much I appreciate this opportunity and the chance to reach my full potential. Thank you for believing in me.” 

Elle-Sue’s story starts not far away in Bury where she was introduced to the Youth Cabinet at secondary school. 

Always up for trying new things and taking opportunities, she took part in the elections to be the youth MP for Bury and at age 15 became the Deputy Youth MP for the area. Elle-Sue describes this as an opportunity of a lifetime for her. 

She travelled to different countries, bringing back ideas to support young people to access opportunities such as travel, gaining new skills and entering higher education. This ignited a passion for supporting young people’s rights and making sure they weren’t limited due to their background. 

It was at this time that Elle-Sue decided that she wanted to do a law degree and learned more about the opportunities and support that she would need to do this including the First Generation Programme at Manchester Met.   

Delighted to be accepted, Elle-Sue met the scholarship team, got to know about the extensive support she could access and started to adjust to university life. Being relatively near to the university, Elle-Sue decided to commute and has been able to access expenses to cover travel costs, books and materials that have helped her to excel in her Law degree

“With the financial implications alleviated, I have been able to fully immerse myself in my studies, taking advantage of every opportunity for growth and learning.  

“Beyond my law degree, the scholarship has enabled me to access resources and experiences that have enriched my education; from meeting professionals across a number of different industries to supporting me with internships.” 

Three years on, Elle-Sue has graduated and aspires to be a barrister, already a successful member of middle temple, one of the four inns of court. She is now on the next phase of her journey, having started the bar course at Manchester Met. 

Elle-Sue’s story shows the life changing impact of scholarships, giving young people the financial and practical support to succeed. With many graduates going into careers that make a meaningful contribution and difference to society, the pay back is massive. 

Wahab describes receiving the Neelam Aggarwal Scholarship as a game changer and a journey of transformation which made opportunities a lot more accessible. 

This scholarship is supported by the Aggarwal Family, in memory of Neelam’s commitment to inclusion. It aims to help disadvantaged young people to advance in life by providing financial support.

Wahab went from being a young carer to studying Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Met and is now doing his masters at Cambridge. Along the way, he has secured placements in industry, gained opportunities to acquire real-world experience, and set up a tutoring business as a way of giving something back.

Wahab Tutoring, started out small, with Wahab helping out a few students. This grew into something much bigger. Providing learning and support, guiding students through the challenges of academia and empowering them to reach their goals.   

“It’s about giving hope, opportunity, and a chance for a better future. Receiving the scholarship taught me the importance of paying it forward. By giving, you get, this is what has been inspiring me to create opportunities for others, just as I had been given.

“With each step forward, I carry with me the lessons I have learned. As I start this new chapter, I do so with gratitude in my heart and a determination to pay it forward, making a difference in the lives of others, just as the scholarship did for me. 

“Now, as I study at Cambridge University for my masters, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunities that the scholarship has provided me. It’s not just about furthering my education, it’s about continuing the cycle of generosity and empowerment that the scholarship instilled.”