When I received my place to study Architecture at the University of Bath, I felt proud but also uncertain. Coming from a foster care background, the road to university wasn’t straightforward. I’d worked hard to get here, but I didn’t always see others like me in academic spaces. That’s why being accepted onto the Gold Scholarship Programme meant so much more than financial support. It gave me the opportunity to be part of a community that recognised what I could grow into.
The Gold Scholarship gave me the tools to build my future with more confidence. From day one, it was about more than money. It was a network of people: mentors, fellow scholars, and staff, who understood what it means to come from a non-traditional background and still have an ambition that reaches far beyond it.
Architecture is a demanding course, especially at Bath, being so highly ranked. Between the design work, the long hours in studio, and constant deadlines, it’s easy to get lost in the pace of it all. I had a mentor during first year who made a real impact and reminded me that my background wasn’t a weakness, but a unique perspective I could bring into my work. That perspective shaped how I approach design. I think a lot about how spaces affect people, not just aesthetically, but emotionally, socially, and environmentally. Being a Gold Scholar gave me the chance to develop those values, not just in the classroom, but through real-world opportunities, personal development, and volunteering.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my scholarship experience was getting involved in volunteering. I took part in outreach programmes aimed at encouraging young people from underrepresented backgrounds to consider higher education, which felt especially meaningful to me given my own journey. I also volunteered with the Wildlife Trust, contributing to conservation efforts and learning more about the relationship between natural environments and the built world. On a completely different note, I regularly helped at local community park runs. These were simple, energetic ways to give back and support others’ wellbeing, and they reminded me how much of a difference small, consistent contributions can make. Each experience shaped me in different ways, and I’d encourage any first-year scholar to give it a try, even if you're unsure at first. You never know what you’ll take away from it.
There have been challenges. Coming from foster care means learning early how to be independent, how to adapt, and how to push forward even when things don’t come easy. At university, those skills helped me, but they also set me apart in ways that sometimes felt isolating. The Gold Scholarship helped bridge that gap. It didn’t erase those differences. It embraced them.
One highlight for me was taking part in volunteering projects that allowed me to give back and connect with others in meaningful ways. It reminded me why I chose to study architecture in the first place: to design spaces that feel human, that support people’s lives, and that respond to the real issues we face, from climate change to social inequality.
To anyone thinking about applying for the Gold Scholarship Programme, do it. Don’t second guess yourself because of where you come from or what you think you’re lacking. The scholarship isn’t just for people with polished CVs or perfect grades. It’s for people with potential and drive. If you’re starting out at Bath, especially if you're unsure about fitting in, know that the G
old community is here to support you. Go to the events, ask for help, and say yes to the opportunities. They really do add up to something meaningful.
As I graduate and step into the world of architecture or adjacent fields, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned through this scholarship: to design with empathy, to lead with integrity, and to keep building a future I believe in.
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