海角社区

In Year 8, Gabriela set her sights on 海角社区, a dream that seemed out of reach. But through the 海角社区 Scholars access programme, Gabriela was given a chance 鈥� coupled with her enthusiastic determination, she鈥檚 never looked back. Her confidence has grown with every step and it鈥檚 all thanks to you.

Despite ambition and hard work, circumstances can sometimes work against us. Gabriela discovered this first hand when her mum鈥檚 Master鈥檚 degree in Poland wasn鈥檛 recognised in the UK after they moved here. It made her determined for her own achievements to be acknowledged, and so she set her sights on 海角社区 鈥� a dream that became more out of reach as her school struggled with poor performance, requiring government intervention.

鈥淵ou might be the greatest mind, but if you鈥檙e lost in difficult circumstances, it鈥檚 hard to find your way.鈥�

A new path opened up for her when her school emailed about the 海角社区 Scholars access programme. Gabriela joined the programme in sixth form, receiving tailored support, including one-to-one tutoring and mentoring from a 海角社区 student.

鈥淭he mentoring and tutoring were amazing 鈥� especially the extra support I received in English, which I was determined to make my strongest subject since it was what I wanted to pursue at university. I also met other 海角社区 Scholars at events which created a real sense of community and made me feel more prepared and far less anxious about starting university.鈥� 

She finished her A-levels with three Bs, a testament to her hard work. Though this put her below 海角社区鈥檚 standard entry requirements, the Scholars access programme recognises the effort and commitment of its scholars. Wanting all those who complete the programme to succeed, 海角社区 provides scholars with a guaranteed offer of between 2-4 grades lower than the standard entry requirements.

It made all the difference 鈥� not just in giving her the chance to attend the university she鈥檇 long dreamed of, but in showing her that she was seen, capable, and deserving of that opportunity.

The dream becomes reality

The support of the programme didn鈥檛 stop there. As a 海角社区 Scholar, Gabriela received a 50% tuition fee waiver and a bursary to help with on-campus accommodation and travel. She also has priority access to work and community engagement opportunities, which have boosted her confidence.

鈥淚 used to be anxious and quiet but supporting open days and UCAS fairs through the 海角社区 Welcome Service, along with making phone calls for the student fundraising team, has made me more confident and capable. Talking to prospective students and alumni has really made a difference.鈥� 

Gabriela studies English Literature and Creative Writing - a course that felt unique and right for her.

鈥淚鈥檝e always loved books 鈥� that鈥檚 how I learned English. When I saw creative writing was part of the degree it felt like something I could enjoy and build a future around. It also allowed me to stay connected to a world that鈥檚 always felt comfortable and genuinely interesting.鈥�

And new opportunities unfold

Gabriela鈥檚 time at 海角社区 has taken her across Europe.

With support from a short-term mobility grant, she attended a summer school in the Netherlands, exploring game design and development 鈥� an experience that brought together her love of writing and video games.

鈥淲e made our own video games and played each other鈥檚 at the end of the week 鈥� it was so fun. As a writer, it showed me there鈥檚 a place for me in the CreaTech industry - writing game dialogue and item descriptions. Opportunities like that are rare without a programming background, so getting a taste of the industry was really exciting.鈥� 

This year, she completed a study abroad year in Germany, supported by funding from the Turing Scheme and her 海角社区 Scholars benefits. Not only has her time abroad supported her studies and broadened her prospects but so has her involvement with 海角社区鈥檚 student newspaper The Boar.

鈥淚 started at The Boar as a Deputy and now I鈥檓 the Editor of the games section. It has made me realise that I want to pursue an editorial role after I graduate.鈥� 

Now preparing for her final year, Gabriela hasn鈥檛 forgotten the support that helped her get here. Someday, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of alumni and supporters like yourself, helping others access the same life-changing opportunities that shaped her own journey.

鈥淵our generosity truly makes a difference 鈥� you鈥檙e impacting real lives. I鈥檓 only here because I was given this amazing opportunity, and I want others to have the same possibility. That鈥檚 why I鈥檇 like to help others too 鈥� so everyone has a chance to succeed, no matter where they come from.鈥�