Educating the next generation

Lin Wei secures GREAT scholarship

Mature student, Lin, took the leap to come to Essex to progress in her career as a high school teacher. Now pursuing an MA in Conference Interpreting and Translation and recipient of a prestigious British Council GREAT scholarship, Lin said “having received this scholarship almost immediately helped me make up my mind of accepting my offer to come and study. For me personally, it's a life-changing opportunity.”

“Money was the biggest challenge for me because my family could not support me. I entered the workforce right after I got my bachelor's degree in China and had been working as translator and English teacher for nearly 10 years."

“Education is the field that I want to go back to after my study. I wish to be a role model for my students and for the society. I am not trying to change the world, but I do hope the things I did could help inspire the younger generation students who want to pursue higher education.

“I have received all the support, financially and emotionally, that I need here at Essex and my tutors and classmates, were just so helpful, and the university has provided the greatest facilities for students."

Lin encourages people to chase their dreams and believes it is never too late to make a change in life. “If you ask me, the best time is now. You can still come out of your comfort zone and make some changes in your life. It won’t be easy, and it may be very different from where you are now, but it’s a new life experience and achievements which are worth pursuing. I want to be the proof that it’s always good timing to go back to university and learn something new.”

Our Essex Futures scholarships appeal is raising £1m to fund scholarships that will help students like Lin, who want to make their mark on the world, but don't have the financial means to pursue the studies that’ll help them begin that journey. 

This blog was written by Student Philanthropy Assistant, Jeswin Joseph.