The Student Success Endowment: Chloe

I did not grow up expecting to do a degree, but it’s something I dreamt of. Growing up in a small, isolated village, university was a topic rarely mentioned and certainly rarely expected. So, as a now-second-year English student at NTU, and the first in my family to attend university, being able to take this path that once felt out of reach is an immense honour.

I chose to study English because of my lifelong love of literature. Through books, I have learnt to think deeply about the world and understand different perspectives, whilst developing my own voice. NTU stood out to me for its supportive environment, which felt especially important as someone entering higher education without a family example to follow on this path.

Beyond my degree, I want to continue building my confidence and passion for literature to help me achieve my future goals, including a career where I can share my passion for literature with others. I'd love to become a teacher or work within the publishing sector after I finish my undergraduate degree and get my masters.

Studying for a degree can feel stressful at times, this has taught me the importance of taking a break and focusing on mental health. I love to exercise and spend time outdoors. Since starting University, I have joined my local gym and often travel to the Peak District for beautiful hikes. I have found that the exercise and fresh air help ground me when pressure from work starts to feel like too much.

The Student Success Endowment has made a meaningful difference to my university experience. Without it, I could never have afforded the gym membership that has become my outlet for managing stress. It has supported my passion for hiking - covering equipment, sportswear, and even travel costs for hiking trips – so I can now confidently balance my academic performance with my wellbeing.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue using the bursary to support both my wellbeing and my studies, including contributing towards academic resources such as books. My course requires me to read a large number of books, and the library only has a certain number of copies, so the bursary ensures that I never have to worry about falling behind in my course, and I can continue to achieve my full potential.

To those who have supported the Student Success Endowment, I cannot express how grateful I am. My university experience would never have been possible without the extra financial support, and I owe it to you, that the young girl who always dreamt of getting her degree, can now call that dream a reality.