Meet Isabella:
My name is Isabella and I have chosen to pursue a degree in Theology and Classical civilisations; these are topics I have previously studied and loved at A-level; therefore, I was thrilled to receive a place to study these at a higher level with the University of Glasgow. I previously turned down a place studying Classics at Oxford due to financial insecurities since they discourage working during the term, but Glasgow has proved to be much more accessible, and I am thrilled I firmed this university. I have had a wonderful time studying Theology and it has furthered my desire to pursue a career in human rights, potentially in the law department. I chose Glasgow because of its unique multiple subject degree system and its amazing reputation as the Scottish university of the year; I thought this would pose a fantastic opportunity for me to experience other subjects before committing to honours. I have always wanted to visit Scotland but have previously been unable to due to distance (I am from London) and financial priorities. I was unable to afford a trip to visit beforehand, and covid also proved problematic, but the virtual open days were eye opening, and I was extremely looking forward to joining the university.
In addition to Theology and Classical civilisations, I chose English literature as my third subject and have found these courses to be extremely engaging and interesting. It was mildly challenging at first, having to adapt to online lectures in the first semester, but I have been able to attend in-person lectures and seminars in the second semester and have loved all of it. The Theology seminars and English literature lectures have proven to be my favourite – the topics have been fascinating and I have had an excellent selection of lecturers and tutors. The course load and reading has been challenging but enjoyable; I have had a fantastic range of novels to look at in English, my favourite being Frankenstein, on which I completed two English assignments. The pandemic has proved slightly challenging since I have caught covid twice whilst at the university, but I have made some fantastic friends and have had a great first year of university. Exploring Glasgow, nearby Edinburgh and the university has been an amazing and new experience. I have been delighted to received high Bs in English and have improved in Classics and Theology and am aspiring to achieve As in the next year now that I am more settled and recovered from covid.
The scholarship has proven incredibly helpful in allowing me to access all the things I need in university (textbooks, a laptop when my computer died before exams, the ability to afford transport home to see family) without worries or financial struggles. My textbooks have been fantastic, as I was previously worried about affording the materials for three subjects. I have been able to afford my rent without concern and have learned to budget effectively which was previously a worry for me. I am financially independent from my family and used to give my mother part of my wages when I worked at home, so this has helped me massively.
The highlight of my year was when I was voted to be the Welfare officer in the Amnesty society – it has been an honour being part of the committee and I have helped to organise many events as part of the society and the university. We have taken part in protests and socials, notably Cop26 where we had a place in the march and worked to spread our values. It has been an honour being trusted enough to be a place of safety for students; this opportunity could not have been afforded to me without the security provided by your scholarship, as I would have had more worries concerning finances rather than volunteer work.