Last year, Lily (BA Sociology and History 2024) shared her inspiring story about how the Liverpool Bursary – which is supported by donations to the Student Fund, helped shape her Liverpool journey. Today, Lily talks about how the bursary made a lasting impact on her life and where her Liverpool journey has taken her – from graduating to new opportunities.
Reflecting on the University experience
My time at the University of Liverpool was amazing and an experience I won’t ever forget. I was lucky enough to live on our beautiful campus for the entire three years. I met some incredible people who helped me become the person that I am today, and I developed an excellent relationship with some of my tutors who helped both my personal and academic development. I really miss the university; it went so fast, and I wish I could go back and do it all again.
I was lucky enough to benefit from a week abroad at the University of Georgia, an experience I won’t ever forget. I also worked as a Student Fundraiser, raising money for the Student Fund, which meant I could be part of something important and help my university become a more inclusive and accessible place to work and study.
I also benefited from a summer working as a research assistant intern at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, providing me with amazing insight into what goes on behind the scenes in a museum collection.
I am currently studying for a master’s degree in Building Conservation and Adaptation at the University of Central Lancashire. My undergraduate degree in Sociology and History allowed me to pursue this, providing me with the ability to conduct in-depth historic research. If the University of Liverpool hadn’t given me the chance to undertake an internship as an assistant heritage consultant with Liath Heritage, I would never have been introduced to the world of conservation.
Reflecting on the Liverpool Bursary
The Liverpool Bursary enabled me to pursue my degree without the worry of financial limitations. It took the pressure of whether I could afford to live at university, and meant that I could focus on my academic priorities. The Bursary also meant I could enjoy activities outside of my studies with friends, which enhanced my university experience. The Bursary was there as a safety net for me, allowing me to take time off work when my dad fell ill with lung cancer, at a time when I was also caring for my mum who has Multiple Sclerosis. The Bursary meant that I didn’t have to worry financially, helping me to overcome both personal and academic challenges when unforeseen circumstances arose.
Receiving the Bursary felt like a weight had been lifted, and it empowered me to achieve my best when undertaking my degree. I can also say the same for my friends who also benefited from the Bursary. We felt like the University was a more inclusive place to be and encouraged students from all backgrounds.
I might not have pursued my master’s degree without the support I received during my undergraduate years. Receiving the Bursary meant I could focus on and prioritise my academic studies, opening opportunities, such as my heritage consultant internship at Liath Heritage, which led me to my master’s degree.
Pictured above: Lily and her mum
Looking Forward
After I complete my master’s, I hope to continue working as an Assistant Heritage Consultant at Liath Heritage and continue working with historic buildings. My trip to the University of Georgia also instilled in me a keen interest to see the world, so I would also love to take some time to go travelling.
The Liverpool Bursary supported me throughout my undergraduate years, allowing me to prioritise my degree in Sociology and History and experience wider opportunities such as the internships that I undertook and my role as a Student Fundraiser. The drive that I developed to embrace all the opportunities that the University of Liverpool had to offer as a result of the Bursary has extended to my professional development. I am now regularly able to visit countless historic buildings and conduct extensive background research on each place as part of my job!
A message of thanks
I would like to thank the donors who made the Liverpool Bursary possible because it enabled me to reach my full potential when studying at the University of Liverpool. I loved having the privilege to speak with many of you when working as a Student Fundraiser and hearing all your stories and advice that you had for me. Thank you so much.
The Student Fund
The Student Fund helps ensure that students from all backgrounds can come to university, thrive, and go on to make a difference in the world. From emergency grants in times of crisis to bursaries that level the playing field, your support changes lives. Learn more about how you can help by visiting the Student Fund webpage.