When I was asked to write about the impact of my scholarship, I didn’t hesitate. Donations from supporters like you have made a life-changing difference to my university experience and being able to say thank you is a privilege.

Annabel Bartlett standing beside Highfields lake.

My time at Nottingham so far has been incredible. From the moment I walked around the lake, I just knew this was where I wanted to study. When I first met the professors for my course, I was amazed by their passion for the subject and it feels like they really want us to succeed.

Despite that I was nervous coming to university. I am the first in my family to go into higher education – in fact, I’m the first in my family to get A-levels! But I knew that I wanted to study for a degree because I’ve always loved education and enjoy studying. I think going somewhere where you can learn new facts and have conversations with like-minded people was my dream.

That said, even though it was my dream to go to university – the financial side of things has always been a worry. I remember sitting down with my dad when I was 14-years-old, after being told at school that they thought I should go to university, and my dad telling me he wouldn’t have the disposable income to support me. It was quite a hard conversation and a difficult thing to hear.

As a result, I started saving for university when I was 14 because I thought I would have to look after myself and I didn’t want money to be the thing that held me back.

Even though it was my dream to go to university 鈥� the financial side of things has always been a worry.
Annabel

When I found out I would receive a scholarship, it was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Thanks to the scholarship, this is the first time in my life that I haven’t been balancing my education and a part-time job. I started my first job when I was 11-years-old at secondary school and would help my dad to pay the bills. But now, not having to work during term time has been revolutionary. I don’t know how else to describe it, other than transformative.

Having the financial support has also allowed me to throw myself into university life. I have been able to join the Pro Bono Society, which runs a programme called the Aspire Project. As part of the project, you go into local primary schools and teach children from underprivileged backgrounds about law, politics and global issues. I grew up in a poor area and that’s something that would have really benefitted me as a child.

Thinking back to when I was 14 and having that conversation with my dad, I just don’t think I would have believed the university experience I am now able to have, thanks to the scholarship. At the time I was partially disabled as well and I wasn’t even sure I could get through my GCSEs, let alone go to university.

Now my whole family is so proud that I’m at Nottingham and I’m proud of myself too. I feel like someone has supported me with this scholarship because they believe in my journey. When I’m revising at midnight, reading case law or completing my coursework, I know that someone is out there who believes I can succeed and for that I want to say a huge thank you. Your support has truly changed my life.

Annabel Bartlett, Law student and scholarship recipient