Rose

Rose is a full-time university student, balances a part-time job, and now lives independently in her very first flat – a hard-won milestone she’s very proud of, though her journey here was anything but easy.

She chose to study Applied Psychology because of her own lived experience. Growing up in foster care whilst both parents experienced serious mental health conditions sparked her interest in better understanding the human brain and being able to help those with similar struggles.

But for years she felt university was out of reach:

“I originally never thought I’d go to university. When I was in school, I left with only one Higher, due to what was going on in foster care.

“I was in a situation where I had no idea what direction I was going in life, and I had already been through and still going through struggles.

“I did a makeup course for a few years but realised that wasn’t going to be a full-time career for me. So, I enrolled onto a social science course at college, got my HNC and then came to GCU which has since opened up so many doors for me.”

One of those life-changing opportunities was being awarded the Sir Alex Ferguson Scholarship.

At age 21, Rose aged out of foster care and secured her flat through a homelessness application. Without family support or savings, furnishing it seemed impossible – until the scholarship arrived.

“I wouldn’t be in the flat that I’m in now without that grant. I know things like getting a bed or a couch to some people isn’t a big deal. But that was a milestone for me.

“I’ve always had issues managing money in life. I think that’s what happens with some people when they get brought up in deprivation; when you get money, you just let it go, because you’ve never had anything before.

“But I didn’t blow the money and I was proud of myself because it’s helped me be more responsible.”

Being personally selected by Sir Alex Ferguson left her both stunned and inspired.

“At first, when I found out, I was shocked. Not because I thought I hadn’t had it hard enough to receive it – just more so, I didn’t expect to be recognised.

“It’s boosted my own confidence so much and made my attitude towards uni so much more serious because now I’ve got somebody actually supporting me.”

For Rose, the scholarship wasn’t just financial support; it lifted both academic and personal pressures at a time when she needed it most.

“It gives disadvantaged students the chance to know that someone’s got faith in them. Sometimes that’s enough – just knowing you’ve got someone out there that wants you to do well.

“If I didn’t get that support, my life would probably look a lot different. Without people like Sir Alex Ferguson, I’d be worse off.

“His support has been genuinely life-changing – no exaggeration. It’s hard to put it into words because it’s a feeling… but it has actually changed my life and I’m so thankful for that.”