This edition of your Old Joe magazine celebrates the launch of the University’s 10,000 Lives appeal.
10,000 Lives has the ambitious aim of changing 10,000 young lives over the next few years through the support of our donors and volunteers.
Below, our appeal ambassadors share how the University changes lives. With your help we can reach thousands more young people like Brandon, Ioana, Niamh and Hannah. Together we can raise aspirations in 11–25-year olds, develop confident and employable students and support our young alumni as they start their post-University life.
-
How my life changed: the scholarship recipient
Brandon Doherty (BA Philosophy, Religion and Ethics, 2016) received several different scholarships that enabled him to study at Birmingham. He is now on the Lloyds HR Graduate programme. ‘I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve received without the support of my scholarships. I’m from a low-income family and before University I didn’t really get the chance to do anything outside my group of friends. When I came to Birmingham, I studied a great course and met people from all over the world in a unique place.’
-
How my son's life changed: the parent
Caroline Doherty is Brandon Doherty’s very proud mum. ‘Brandon has worked very hard to get where he is and it’s well deserved. Knowing he had the support of his scholarships gave him confidence to push forward and he’s done really well.’
-
How my life changed: the school pupil
Niamh Wilson is studying for her A levels and attended the 2017 Academic Enrichment Programme summer school. ‘The summer school definitely changed my life in that I have a different perspective on what I need to do to get where I need to be. You can’t just hope for the best, you have to put the extra hard work in. I’m definitely going to be applying for university and especially the University of Birmingham.’
-
How my life changed: the medical scholar
Donovan Simpson is in the fourth year of his medical degree. ‘I’ve had so many brilliant experiences at Birmingham. I’ve met some great people, have overcome challenges and have grown in ways that I never thought I could. I’m very excited to take what I’ve learnt and become the best doctor I can.’
-
How my life changed: the young alumna
Aspiring solicitor Ioana Chiva (LLB Law, 2016) was mentored by Luciana Berger MP (BCom Commerce with Spanish, 2004) on the Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme. ‘The most valuable advice I received from my mentor was if you don’t try, you won’t know if you have a chance to succeed. I took her advice, ran with it and now I have my dream job. I’m very happy.’
-
How my life changed: the new student
Hannah Green started at Birmingham this September after attending a summer school in 2016. She is studying Biomedical Sciences. ‘The summer school changed my life dramatically; my mentor was and still is really important. He stayed in touch with me throughout my final year at school, even helping me move into my accommodation. I wouldn’t be here without doing the summer school, as I wouldn’t have met my mentor nor had any of that support.’
-
Give. Volunteer. Change 10,000 Lives