Rasheed is a Biology student at Queen Mary University of London and a recipient of the William Spilsbury Scholarship. The award is supported by the late Mr William Spilsbury, BA German 1960, who kindly left the University a gift in his Will to support students in hardship.
"I was impressed with the Queen Mary campus and the taster lecture on Carbon Capture when I came for an Open day. The university is also a short commute for me, which is ideal. Queen Mary was an obvious choice for me because the university can support me reach my full potential academically and personally. My first year studying Biology has been interesting and challenging but I’m looking forward to learning a lot!
"I wanted to get a job during my time at university so I can support myself financially but it has been difficult during Covid times. Because I have a heart condition and am vulnerable to coronavirus I was told very early on that I could not come to campus. I had to adapt quickly to online teaching, which was challenging for me. I started learning chess and joined a few societies to stay away from my screen and make some friends.
"I’m so grateful to have received an alumni-funded Scholarship. The award has given me such a relief at a time I needed it the most. The funds have enabled me to buy my course resources and basic necessities, and participate in online courses.
"Students do face financial stress. Most students are worried about the mounting debt they’ll be in after they graduate and how to manage their finances during their time at university. Sadly, some students are struggling financially because they come from a disadvantaged background- they rely on that extra support to get by.
"After I graduate, I want to work towards becoming a pharmacological scientist. I want to write a research paper, make ground-breaking research and make a difference in the medical field. I’m not sure yet what research I want to specialise in but I hope to find out during my time at university.
"I would like to thank my donor for this generous Scholarship. I am very grateful for your kindness and for thinking of students at Queen Mary. I feel much more motivated and confident to continue working hard. I can now focus on my studies without the added financial stress."