Guest Editor: Pav Kahlon

Pav standing outside the Aston Webb Building, holding a board that says I care about everyone getting an education'It's thanks to a scholarship that I am one of Birmingham's newest graduates. The Access to Birmingham scholarship, funded by alumni, helped me practically and enabled me to meet other people with similar goals.

'I want to help others like me, so I was proud to be an A2B Ambassador and Campaign Maker as part of Birmingham In Action, the University’s campaign to make a real difference on global issues.

'Writing my dissertation during lockdown was tough; not having a study space whilst trying to research NHS waiting lists with my four-year-old brother running round and my lovable but loud dad getting to grips with video calls.

'I'm so sad to have missed those last moments with friends in our third year. I made my graduation cap from cardboard and watched the Vice-Chancellor lead the online ceremonies in the garden with my parents. Read more about our virtual graduations.

'The job market in a pandemic was always going to be tough, but I'm working part-time while I look for my dream role. Wish me luck.'

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