“I always knew I wanted to do Medicine, ever since 2nd year of school. All my CAO choices were Medicine, so I was over the moon when I received my offer from UCD. My classmates are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, and there is so much more to my studies than I could have expected. 

Receiving this scholarship has genuinely been life changing. Before this scholarship, I was living at home, which is a 2 hour commute up and back every day. I was also working nights, which meant I would not get home some nights until 5 or 6 am. I did not realise how much time I was losing until suddenly I could not engage in society events, sports, or even get a chance to hang out with my friends. I remember one Halloween, I had a 9am lecture after a shift at work. I finished work at 3:30am, and didn’t have time to get home, so I waited on campus from 5 am until 9, and attended my lecture. 

Words cannot describe how I felt when I got the email. I truly felt like I could do anything, and that a major burden had just fallen off my shoulders. I used the scholarship money to move out of home into digs nearby campus, which has allowed me the free time to engage more completely with university life. Every day, I get to go and learn about things I am passionate about. I have also recently gotten involved with the Musical Soc; When I lived at home, I couldn’t have taken part, as I couldn’t commit to being on campus that late, but now, I can’t wait to get more involved and audition again! 

I would like to let the donors to this scholarship know that this opportunity has turned my entire life upside down in the best way. College no longer feels like a battle I need to slog through. It’s become something that not only I can enjoy, but also begin to contribute to. Thank you so much for the opportunity you have provided to me, and to so many other students like me.”