Megan L

What have you gone on to do after graduating?

Since graduating, I started my job working for an MP in the Shadow Cabinet part time whist also freelancing for a social enterprise start up that supports first generation university students. About 4 months later, I took on work with another Shadow Cabinet MP and moved to London!

Alongside all of this, I have been active in the charity sector as a volunteer with a focus on Youth Voice, participation and social mobility. Currently, I am on the National Committee for the 93% club, following two years of running the 93% Club Newcastle.

What were the benefits of the PARTNERS Programme for you?

I was able to get to grips with the kind of reading set at university and the formats of seminars/ lectures. As someone who is the first in their family to go to university and from a working class background, this kind of support was invaluable. Without PARTNERS, I REALLY would have struggled during my first term. I think the whole process just helped to ease the transition from school to university, and made it much less overwhelming.

I found that PARTNERS acted like a springboard, or a crash course to university, to help me feel like I was on a more level playing field (despite the educational inequality that exists in this country). I ended up graduating with a First, and to go from first-gen to first-class feels surreal to think about. PARTNERS played a crucial role in making this happen.

If you could give advice or tips to a new PARTNERS student, what would it be?

Never underestimate the power of strong networks - be that students, lecturers, professionals, or other random people that you meet. I once made a LinkedIn post calling out to people from similar backgrounds, and I ended up talking to a Newcastle Alumni who went into banking. He later did a talk for The 93% Club while I was president. After seeing another LinkedIn post about the talk, his old university flatmate - now consultant - got in touch offering his help. We are all still in touch and they have supported myself and other state-educated students at university for years now. Building networks take time, but continue to put yourself out there and you will see the impact it has over time.

Take every opportunity that you can. Going to university can be daunting, especially when you come from certain backgrounds. But have the belief that you absolutely CAN excel at uni, and have the best experience.