Sarah's story

While Sarah was studying for her A levels, she was homeless. She moved into a YWCA after becoming estranged from her family. Sarah worked hard to support herself by working as a carer to keep her life together. And now, thanks to alumni like you, Sarah has successfully graduated this summer with a degree in psychology and has even secured a competitive PhD placement at Sheffield for the future.

When she first got to Sheffield, Sarah received a scholarship. Thanks to the support of the donor community, she didn't have to feel like her life was falling apart anymore. She didn't have to feel daily stresses, like whether she could afford to travel in for lectures, or pay her bills and rent. Sarah could truly dedicate herself to her lifelong dream of studying psychology. She knew she could finally settle into her life at Sheffield.

At this time of year, students like Sarah are counting on a hardship grant to help them out of financial insecurity. Your support means you'll be there for a student right when they need it most.

When times got tough throughout her degree, regular donors were there for Sarah thanks to an emergency hardship grant. Threats from a neighbour left Sarah feeling constantly scared and desperate to find a new home. With these urgent funds available, she escaped her distressing living situation and found a safer place to live. This financial support from alumni helped to reduce Sarah's everyday stresses also caused by the rising cost of living.

"I wouldn't have got through my course if I hadn't had the right support, not because I'm not capable, but because of my personal circumstances. I think there are a lot of other students who are in that same boat, and if they don't have the right support or signposts to the right people, places, or have the right community, then they may not achieve what they want and are actually capable of. But I know I have people who do believe in me.

The mind is still one of the most misunderstood parts of life. I think it's the key to making things better in the world, and I'd love to make these improvements by applying my research and helping people become happier and healthier.

Thanks to the scholarship and grants, I've had the chance to grow, recover, and explore, which has really helped shape who I am now. Rather than just focusing on trying to get through the day today, I can now reach those bigger dreams."

From being homeless and unsure what her future held, Sarah is on track to publish an essay in a journal. And looking forward to pursuing a PhD, being a change for good for us all.

With your support, more students like Sarah won't have to feel alone this season. Will you make a gift today and help a student like Sarah overcome hardship and succeed?