The Student Success Endowment: Holly

I graduated from NTU in July with a first-class honours degree in Fine Art, something I’m incredibly proud of. My final year was a period of real growth, not only academically but personally. I discovered running as a hobby during this time, which became a routine that both helped me to stay grounded and also motivated me as I worked towards my degree.

The Student Success Endowment made a genuine difference to my university experience. It allowed me to purchase the materials I needed to realise my ideas fully, including timber for my frames, canvas fabrics, and all the textiles and stuffing that shaped my degree show installation. These resources were essential to producing work I felt truly proud of. The bursary also helped me keep a gym membership, which became a crucial part of supporting both my physical and mental wellbeing. Having that space to clear my mind, set new goals, and look after myself played a huge part in keeping me balanced and focused.

After graduating, I spent the summer volunteering in several Nottingham galleries, which allowed me to stay connected to the art world. Since moving back home to Cambridge, I’ve begun working as an Activities Coordinator in a care home. It’s a role I’ve come to love as I get to use creativity every day to bring comfort, joy, and meaningful experiences to residents. In the long term, I hope to move into a role that connects even more closely with my artistic practice and allows me to continue developing my creative journey.

To those who give to the Student Success Endowment, thank you. Your generosity opened doors for me that I couldn’t have opened alone, and it has played a real part in helping me to achieve the degree result I dreamed of. Your support has a lasting impact, and I’m deeply grateful.