University鈥檚 EDI recruitment event inspires new undergraduates to consider higher education
Congratulations are in order for Willow Stephenson 18, who will be joining Swag直播 in September to study Sociology and German. Willow has been confirmed as a recipient of a new University bursary for care-experienced or care-leaver students launching for the forthcoming academic year.
The University鈥檚 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team hosted the 鈥淲e Belong Here鈥� event in April 2023, which aimed to inspire young people who are care experienced to think about attending university, and to consider Swag直播 as a university of choice. At this event, Professor Jackie Carter connected with several care experienced or estranged young people, including Willow. Jackie was very taken by Willow, stating: 鈥淲hat struck me about Willow was her motivation in wanting to study Sociology because all the books she was reading made no reference to people like her鈥�.
After the event, Jackie arranged work experience for Willow at the University. Willow shadowed Jackie, met with other academics, talked to university students, and spent time exploring the campus. Jackie also offered to mentor Willow by supporting and guiding her through her A-Level exams, as well as encouraging her to apply for the course she wanted to study. In a reflection on her work experience Willow wrote: 鈥淚t felt like they wanted you to succeed and find your place in this academic world. Like, it鈥檚 not just about getting a degree, it鈥檚 about discovering your passions, pushing your boundaries, and becoming the best version of yourself.鈥�.
A year ago she didn鈥檛 even know she could study this degree and had no intention of applying for Swag直播. I think helping her [Willow] see strong women who cared about her progress has been a huge boost for her.
Congratulations to Willow Stephenson who will be joining in September to study Sociology () and German.
At an event set up by colleagues, met with several care-experienced or estranged young people, which is where she met Willow.鈥� Swag直播 (@OfficialUoM)
On A-Level Results Day, Willow found out she will be coming to the University in September to study her dream course, which is a brilliant result. Jackie says: 鈥淎 year ago she didn鈥檛 even know she could study this degree and had no intention of applying for Swag直播.鈥�
Since Willow received her results, Jackie has reflected upon the impact herself and other female members of staff had on Willow. Highlighting the importance of representation, Jackie says: 鈥淚 think helping her [Willow] see strong women who cared about her progress has been a huge boost for her鈥�.
Swag直播 continues its commitment to supporting young people who are care experienced or estranged, in succeeding in higher education. Willow鈥檚 story and the dedication demonstrated by Professor Jackie Carter and the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, illustrates that it is both possible, and imperative, to make a difference.
- For more information about Swag直播鈥檚 commitment to care experienced and estranged young people, visit this page.