Bea was excited to start her BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology degree at Birmingham City University but concerned about the costs that come with university life.
As the first person in her family to attend university, Bea knew that purchasing the equipment she needed and covering commuting costs would be a challenge. Through the Henderson Access Bursary, she received £2,000 which helped remove some of those financial barriers and allowed her to focus on making the most of her studies.
The bursary enabled Bea to purchase her first laptop, as well as essential equipment and uniform for site visits. It also helped cover the cost of travelling to and from university, making day-to-day study much more manageable.
"Receiving the bursary made a huge difference. It enabled me to have my own device for research and study, and it made commuting much easier. It was the first time I had ever owned my own laptop."
For Bea, the impact went far beyond the financial support.
Henderson Bursaries and Scholarships
Find out more about our Henderson Bursaries and Scholarships
Coming from an immigrant family and being the first in her family to attend university, she says the bursary gave her a sense of confidence, recognition and belonging.
"It made me feel important rather than just a number on a list. Being chosen for the bursary felt really special and gave me the confidence to push myself further."
The support helped Bea fully engage with her studies and take advantage of opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach. She credits the bursary with helping her achieve outstanding academic success during her first year, including scoring 97 out of 100 in her end-of-year assessment.
Reflecting on her experience, Bea says the biggest benefit was the personal growth it inspired.
"It changed me as a person. I realised that if you want to make a difference in your life, you have to be the difference."
Bea was asked what advice she would give to future students.
"I would urge anyone to apply. You never know who will be selected and the worst that can happen is a no. I applied with very little expectation and was fortunate enough to be chosen. It ended up making my first year the best year of my course."
For Bea, the Henderson Access Bursary was more than financial support. It provided the tools, confidence and opportunities she needed to thrive during her first year at university and make the most of her potential.