Priya Patel is a recent Queen Mary graduate. She completed her mathematics degree in 2017 and began working at J. P Morgan shortly after.
Priya Patel, Graduation Hardship Fund recipient 2017
"I chose to study at Queen Mary because it’s a Russell Group university and based in east London, which meant I would be closer to home. Queen Mary is also only a stone’s throw away from Canary Wharf (where I currently work) so it’s been super motivating to look back at the place that gave me so many great memories and opportunities.
"I was struggling financially during my final year of university. I had used up most of my finances and money was very tight at home so I applied for assistance from the Graduation Hardship Fund. I was over the moon when I was given this help – I could afford to go to my own graduation! It made such a difference between graduating stress free or graduating knowing I had maxed out my overdraft. The fund supported the cost of my cap and gown hire and helped pay for my parents’ tickets for my graduation ceremony. The atmosphere on the day was great! I really enjoyed the ceremony, the touching speeches and the reception that followed.
"Thank you to all the alumni donors who made this special gift possible. My parents were the proudest they’ve ever been of me and I’m so glad I could share my success and celebrate my hard work with them, thanks to you.
"After graduating I decided to support the Annual Fund because of the financial support I received during my time here – it made such a difference to my university experience. I realised I wanted to help someone else’s journey towards graduation."