“The scholarship meant I could say yes”: Jessica’s Durham story 

At just 20, Jessica is already living out something she dreamed about for years: studying at Durham University. 

Growing up in Spennymoor, just outside the city, she used to watch students walking through Durham and think, “That’s going to be me one day.” But like so many young people, money was a real concern and at times, it made that dream feel uncertain. 

With support from a donor-funded scholarship, Jessica didn’t just make it to Durham, she’s been able to make the most of her time here. From building confidence to embracing new opportunities, her experience has been about so much more than just her degree. 

She’s now finishing her Business and Management degree and getting ready to stay on for a Master’s in Marketing. We spoke to Jessica about her journey, the difference donor support has made, and how it’s shaped her outlook on the future. 

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I’m from Spennymoor, just outside Durham, and I study Business and Management. I lived at home for my first two years and then moved into College in third year. I’ve also just accepted an offer to stay on for a Master’s in Marketing. 

Honestly, Durham was the only place I ever wanted to go. Ever since I was about seven or eight, I remember seeing students in the city and thinking, “That’ll be me one day.” 

Since coming here, I’ve got more involved than I ever expected to. I head a team of Welfare Officers in my College, which has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time here. I’ve loved being able to support other students and help create a community where people feel comfortable and cared for. 

What first got you interested in business? 

My mam and dad were both self-employed when I was growing up, so I think that had a big influence. I enjoyed studying business at school, but I also liked that it felt practical, it wasn’t just theory, it connected to real life. 

Over time, I realised it was marketing I really loved. I enjoy the creative side of it and how it brings ideas and people together. 

What challenges did you face before receiving support? 

The biggest thing was just feeling like university was actually possible. 

You can have all the ambition in the world, but if you can’t afford it, sometimes that’s where it stops. 

My family worked really hard, but there wasn’t a lot of extra money. I remember getting into Durham and then thinking, “Right… I’m in. But how am I actually going to make this work?” 

Getting the scholarship was such a relief. It took away a huge amount of stress at a time when everything already felt quite overwhelming. 

How did the scholarship change your experience? 

It gave me freedom. 

Without it, I think I would have just gone to lectures, done my assignments, and gone home. I wouldn’t have had the full experience. 

The support meant I could say yes: yes to social events, yes to opportunities, yes to living in College. 

And those things really matter. That’s how you build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging. 

Moving into College was especially important. Living in a castle still feels surreal, but it became possible because the financial pressure was lifted. 

How has the scholarship shaped your future? 

It’s completely changed what I think is possible. 

Before Durham, I imagined I’d stay close to home and follow a fairly straightforward path. But being here has opened my eyes to so much more. 

Now it feels like there’s a whole world out there. 

The scholarship gave me the confidence to try new things, meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, and believe that I belong in spaces I never thought I would. 

What are your goals after graduation? 

I’d love to work in marketing in higher education, especially around widening participation, helping students from working-class backgrounds feel like places like Durham are for them too. 

I want people from places like mine to know they absolutely belong here. 

What would you say to the donors who supported you? 

Just thank you. 

Your support didn’t just help me afford university. It changed my life in ways I never expected. 

It meant I could fully experience Durham, not just academically, but socially and personally as well. I’ve met amazing people, discovered opportunities I didn’t even know existed, and grown in confidence. 

That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. 

What does opportunity mean to you now? 

It means believing there isn’t a limit on what you can achieve. 

Before the scholarship, I don’t think I really believed that kind of future was open to me but now I do. That changes everything. 

A message to supporters

Jessica is clear about the impact of donor generosity:

Help more students like Jessica 

Scholarships open doors for talented students whose potential shouldn’t be limited by financial circumstances. 

With donor support, more students can access not just a world-class education, but the confidence, community and opportunities that come with it.