Social work scholarship stories – empowering students to succeed

Two first-year students share how the Alumni Scholarship Award has positively impacted their education, wellbeing and future careers in social work. From purchasing essential tools like laptops, to joining societies and accessing healthcare services, the scholarship has helped them overcome obstacles and unlock new opportunities.

What brought you to the university?

Student A

“It has been quite a while since I’ve been in mainstream education. In Sheffield, I got good results in GCSE’s and A levels and honed a strong work ethic. However, what caused me to take a step back was not that I had no ambition nor passion. In fact, I have always enjoyed studying.

“During my A-levels and amidst the exam period I unfortunately lost my grandmother after a long and difficult battle with cancer. I was one of the only family members who was able to take care of her during her final months. The grief and trauma left me heartbroken and mentally drained. It was a true struggle to even consider facing further education due to this negative association I had developed. So, I chose not to go ahead with higher education when I was 18. Instead, I wanted to focus on myself and rebuild a healthy relationship with education before I pursued something seriously, and in the right frame of mind.

“This time gave me an opportunity to reflect. It led me to the decision of applying for social work at the University of Nottingham. The decision was borne from what I had experienced and my drive to choose a vocation where people would benefit from my time and presence.”

Why Nottingham?

Student B

“When applying for universities, Nottingham really stood out to me for various reasons. I visited each campus, and I found the green campus of Nottingham to be beautiful, and being so close to home also played a big part in my decision. I’ve found the social work course here, so far, to be amazing. I believe the way in which the modules are structured and the manner in which the teaching is delivered is very helpful.”
 

Campus life

Student A

“Last year I faced two health issues. They have left me with some long term or potentially permanent effects. The first, a knee and foot injury I got when I fell down carved-out stone steps; the second, respiratory problems. Unfortunately, they have not managed to pin down the cause of it. Between both of these health issues I found myself feeling trapped in every aspect. It felt like I was in an invisible prison.

“Now, because of attending the University of Nottingham I have access to the Cripps Health Centre who have been really supportive, active and quick to help me recover my health. In a matter of weeks, I have been seen to by physio, doctors, nurses and a Wellbeing Officer.

“I am able to take physio for my knee and my foot. The scholarship has allowed me to invest into the right shoes and insoles to help further my recovery, which would have been something I wouldn’t have been able to prioritise doing. Since the physio recommended swimming, which will simultaneously help me work on both issues in this period of recovery, I have been able to begin saving up for some sessions.”

Student B

“These first few months have been incredible for me - I’ve met a ton of friends that I believe I will have for a very long time, and I’ve been able to go out and socialise with others on a regular basis too. All of this would not have been possible without the scholarship.”

How the scholarship has helped

Student A

“In relation to my studies, the scholarship has given me the ability to purchase my first laptop. It is a crucial tool for me to be able to study and research. Without it I wouldn’t be able to access the vast amount of resources that are available.

“When I found out in April that I was to be awarded the scholarship, I was able to book studio accommodation off-campus. This was a huge relief. I felt as if the anxiety had been lifted from my shoulders, and I started to really look forward to moving to Nottingham.”