The Student Success Endowment: Alecia

I am in the final year of my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at NTU and getting here has been a major achievement for me. I view access to education as incredibly valuable, and my time at NTU has given me the opportunity to grow, gain independence and shape my own future.

Beyond my enthusiasm for learning, I have always been interested in travelling. I want to experience different cultures and understand how the world works outside of the UK.

During my second year, I was given the chance to study abroad at one of NTU’s partner institutions in the Netherlands. This opportunity was everything I wanted, combining my passion for pursuing education whilst immersing me in a new cultural experience. However, this required quite a few large expenses.

The bursary provided by the Student Success Endowment (SSE) made all the difference and was critical in enabling me to take up this opportunity. The SSE funding helped me to cover the application fees for my Dutch residency permit, without which I wouldn’t have been able to live in the country or study the courses I had been accepted onto. This support removed financial stress, allowing me to focus on preparing for this experience, rather than worrying about how I would afford it.

Getting to study in the Netherlands for a year changed so much for me. I learnt to adapt to unfamiliar environments, gaining new educational experience and building up my confidence. I got to visit places I never thought I would, and met people from all over the world, making life-long connections. This was an unforgettable experience, which was only made possible with the support of the SSE.

To anyone who has contributed to the SSE, I want to express my gratitude. Your donations have had a direct, meaningful impact on me. Your support fuels opportunities for many students, making their aspirations and dreams a reachable reality. Thank you for investing in our futures.