I'm Faye Allison and in the 10 years, since I left university I have built a career in scientific recruitment, going from Consultant to Operations Manager in 7 years, winning 4 awards for my work. I was able to buy my first house at 25, which seems a world away from the single mum, low income household I grew up in. I am so grateful and proud to be able to pay forward my experience in mentoring and supporting new DCET scholars. DCET was my main source of sage advice and support at university and I was able to secure my first post-uni job via the DCET network. This experience was crucial in me securing the job in my current company - so really, my whole career was kickstarted by being a part of DCET.
I'm Sadia Sheeraz, and I graduated with from the London School of Economics in BSc International, Social and Public Policy with Politics. Since university, I have received an unconditional offer to pursue a Masters in Sociology at the London School of Economics. I am currently fundraising to cover my funding shortfall, so that I might continue to pursue academia. DCET has provided me with an important network of support and advice, which has filled the gaps where my background has left me unprepared to navigate my education.
I'm Jessica Jackson, and graduated with with a Masters Architecture from the University of Dundee. Over 16 months of graduation, I have been able to go back travelling since the end of the pandemic. I have successfully completed an internship leading to a full time job as an Area Manager and bought my first house.
Before attending university I struggled academically and financially, but, with hard work, perseverance and faith, I overcame these challenges.
Beth Critchley grew up in Salford, attending a high school just removed from special measures and suffered from glandular fever while sitting her A- Levels. She managed to secure top grades and is now in her final year at the University of York reading Law. She enjoys many activities outside of her studies including part time work, volunteering for student led project ‘Nightsafe’ and playing volleyball for her college. She is hoping to go on to be a solicitor and has a vacation scheme lined up for the summer.
From a school in special measures to a world-class university: I’m Charlotte Harrison and I graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Mathematics and Theology from the University of Exeter. From being selected for the university touch rugby team, to working as a mentor in the prestigious Exeter Mathematics School I fully immersed myself within the university environment. After graduation, I was appointed as the City Mayor’s first ever Graduate Ambassador for Salford, a role which enabled me to encourage high aspiration in Salford schools. I am now exploring the food and drink industry, working to establish a start-up venture in London. Watch this space.
Hateema Zia is a Law graduate from the London School of Economics. She was awarded the LSE Golden Scholarship and elected as a student Director for the LSE Court of Governors and Council. During University she mentored and supported students from disadvantaged backgrounds like herself. Over the years Hateema has gained a diversity of experience in the legal and banking sector. She enjoys volunteering; her most recent trip involved supporting a Human Rights brigade in Panama. Here she assisted Panamanian lawyers in providing legal access to vulnerable families. Hateema is currently studying for a Master's in Law at the University of Manchester.
Lucy Sutton grew up in South Manchester and attended a secondary school which entered special measures in her first year. In her first year of college, her father was made redundant and her family were plunged even deeper into poverty. She developed a chronic illness, but persevered and gained at place at the University of Manchester reading Politics. She graduated in summer of 2018 and has since joined the Civil Service. She’s currently working in Policy and is designing a new Government service, helping adults retrain into better jobs. She is also taking part in a 6-month programme at the University of Durham to retrain women in technology where she hopes her career will eventually lead.
Rebekah Officer graduated with a law degree from the University of Bristol in 2015. Whilst at University she worked to encourage students from 'non-traditional' university backgrounds to apply to leading universities. She undertook several work placements whilst at University including a mini-pupillage at Kings Chambers in Manchester. Following this, DCET has maintained contact with Kings, and DCET Scholars continue to undertake mini-pupillages there.
Since graduating she has volunteered in Panama providing pro bono legal clinics to indigenous communities with no access to legal services.
Tallulah Eyres. When you grow up in one of the most deprived cities in the country, surrounded by drugs, violence and crime, opportunities are scarce and bleak, especially the chance to attend a good school. Salford has always defined and inhibited me, by my surname, my postcode, and my class but escape came via Loreto College, my beacon of hope… education was my route out. On receiving a DCET scholarship, my ambitions became possible; I am now in my final year studying sociology at the LSE, ironically, being educated about inequalities and injustices, has taught me to be proud of my identity and my city. Working as a parliamentary assistant for Rebecca Long-Bailey MP has also provided a stage for my voice to fight for what I believe in ... to challenge the system, the damaging orthodoxies and tired ideologies which work against disadvantaged people like me.