Scholarship Profile – Karl Boulton

Knowing the city for several years, I know just how unique Sheffield is. Sheffield has a vibrant atmosphere offering great night life, abundant sports activities and sits on the border of the natural beauty that is the Peak District National Park. Few places can compete with the academic excellence of Sheffield University or its Union´s amazing reputation in providing some of the very best social events. The strongest reason I chose Sheffield however was because of the fantastic support the SOAMS outreach scheme gave me throughout my school education. Five years ago SOAMS offered me the chance to explore the reality of university life and conveyed to me how anyone, from any background, can shape their path into higher education. Sheffield University has guided me every step of the way and has therefore always been the right university for me.

The scholarship has been a benefit is so many ways, especially by allowing me to buy more of the resources and books that I need for the course. It has gone a long way to helping me cover accommodation expenses which had always been a heavy burden. Most importantly, the scholarship means so much because I now have the financial support behind me for the clinical years of study such as when I´m on the elective in my fourth year, where I will be able to practice medicine in another part of the world.

The scholarship has certainly enhanced my `Sheffield Experience´. I no longer have to worry about financial problems and can concentrate on maximising the opportunities available to me, such as being more involved in volunteering for SOAMS itself to give to other students what the university has given to me. It also means I can concentrate on my medical studies without having to worry about getting jobs during Christmas and Easter holidays to support myself financially. My parents are grateful to know that I have the support behind me that they cannot provide.

Medicine is extremely challenging and sometimes stressful as I attempt to learn the foundations that every doctor needs to know to provide good quality care for their patients. Despite this, medicine is a fascinating and engrossing subject where I have learnt skills ranging from CPR and taking patient examinations, to the medical science behind cancer. It is highly rewarding to know the knowledge I attain now will help to save the lives of patients in the future.

Financial issues have taken even greater importance in the current economic climate and therefore the donations made by generous individuals are often pivotal to the decision of whether a bright and talented student comes to university or not.

Scholarships allow individuals who would previously have never contemplated higher education realise their aspirations and achieve their goals irrespective of their background. These gifts act in many ways as a door to education and as a source of inspiration to those who have the ability to succeed but just need that extra push in the right direction.

I am so grateful for the scholarship and want to say a huge thank you to the generous individuals who contribute to the Alumni scholarships. Since receiving the scholarship I feel an even greater dedication to learning and inspired by the thought that there are people behind me who believe in me.

Donations provide so much benefit to individual students but also on a wider level enhance the activities of clubs and societies that make up the University too. The help you can provide by your donation will help students realise their potential and support students in becoming the professionals of the future.