Ryan's Story
“Prior to coming to UCD, I was worried that I wouldn’t get the points in my Leaving Cert and HPAT exam for Medicine. I couldn’t afford grinds or private education. I was not able to afford HPAT revision courses like other people and it weighed heavily on me that it was up to me to get the points I needed. Thankfully, I discovered the HEAR scheme in 6th year of secondary school and it meant that I qualified for reduced points for my chosen courses.
The main barrier facing me when I first arrived at UCD was financing. At 18, I was already hyper-aware of my family’s low-income status but when I arrived at college, that awareness was heightened. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I was worried that my financial circumstances would limit me both academically and socially. I knew that for a lot of students in my class money was never going to be an issue. Before I came to UCD, I didn’t even have a laptop, but thanks to my scholarship, I no longer have to worry about these things.
My time in UCD has been incredible. I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve made some amazing friends, really got involved with societies and am now on my clinical placement. My scholarship has been truly life-changing. It has taken the financial burden off my shoulders significantly. Given the current cost of living crisis, the scholarship has meant that I can cover my rent and any additional bills each month. Frankly, I’m not sure if I could’ve sustained a life in Dublin or even still be in third-level education if I didn’t have the scholarship. My scholarship has given me the opportunity to flourish in college and has meant that I am now able to solely focus on my academics.
I understand that not all alumni are in a position to support a scholarship such as this one; however, to those who are, I would highly implore you to do so. This scholarship has truly changed my life and because of it, I will be a doctor in 2025 and one day, I too, will be able to support these scholarships so that kids like me never feel that they can’t achieve their dreams because of financial burdens.”
![Image](https://www.ucdfoundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ryan-Moran-UCD-Champions-ES-scaled.jpg)