“I am really enjoying my time at UCD. The amazing thing about being a mature student is that I get to study what I am truly interested in and passionate about. I have such a real, genuine interest and fascination with what I am learning. I was so surprised that, even as a mature student, the things I am studying are still altering my thinking and opening my mind even more. It is not just the subject matter of literature, language, and linguistics – it’s changing the way I view the world. I am not only learning the academic material, I am experiencing a huge amount of personal growth and development. 

I grew up in the eighties in a little village with no one academic in my family. I am not from a very wealthy family either, so college was never really presented to me as a viable option. It was pretty much expected that you grow up, get married, and have kids, so doing something else was almost frowned upon. But I never felt I was meant to be a housewife! After my separation, I began teaching myself Spanish at home to keep myself sane. This inspired me to do my research and discover this course at UCD. I applied, never really expecting to get in. I did not know the standard of applications or where I really fit in. I am still so excited and giddy to be here.

When I received this scholarship and attended the Entrance Scholars ceremony, I was surprised to find myself so moved! It was my first time in O’Reilly hall, and my first time wearing robes. It felt like all my hard work to get here was being appreciated and honoured by UCD. I really felt like a valued part of the university. This feeling has stayed with me throughout my time studying. 

Before I knew I would receive this scholarship, I knew that things would be tight. I had saved rigorously but I knew that would only get me so far. Both the financial and mental cost were no small undertaking. I felt I would always be surviving on the most minimal costs and trying to scrape by – This scholarship has completely changed my outlook. I liken it to having comfortable shoes; Of course, you can walk around in ill-fitting shoes, feeling strained and sore. You still get to your destination, but everything is that bit more difficult. I could scrimp and suffer my way through this degree, but this scholarship has given me that sense of ease that allows me to achieve my dreams without suffering, mentally or emotionally. 

I have experienced health issues throughout my time studying here, and I am a parent, so the supports available at UCD have been massively important. Without them, I would never have the time, the energy, or the ability to study here. The supports from the ALL centre and the Mature Student Advisor have been absolutely amazing, as well as all my lecturers. With the support this scholarship has given me, I was able to afford a private assessment for Neurodivergence. I was on a national waiting list for years and still am. My diagnosis has been a game-changer. It has given me the understanding and ability to approach my coursework in a way that suits me best. It has changed everything about how I interact with lecturers and how I organise my work.

I am on the Committee of the Mature Student society which is something I am very passionate about. Being able to go out for a coffee with the other members between lectures without worrying about how I will afford it has been amazing. I think we have created a space for mature students who have arrived for the first time onto campus and are not sure where they fit in yet. 

To the donors who have supported my scholarship, I cannot thank you enough. I get quite emotional when I think of how much this scholarship has changed my experience. University has become my world, I am so devoted to what I am studying and getting the best from it. It has fed into my personal growth and allowed me to have this beautiful experience. To me, this scholarship says ‘You Matter’. It makes me feel a part of something bigger than myself, a wider UCD community that welcomed and appreciated me. It gives me a feeling of being cared for and minded. As a mature student and a parent, it can feel like I am looking after everything and everyone, so having a little bit of that given back to me feels priceless. I know I could do it alone, but not having to has been an unbelievable privilege. ”