SI Leeds, within the SIGBI Federation, unveils the transformative impact of its three-year scholarship program in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University. This initiative, aimed at addressing the gender gap in STEM fields and supporting young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, has empowered individuals like Laura, a scholarship recipient pursuing Occupational Therapy. Laura’s inspiring journey reflects the profound impact of educational opportunities on personal growth and success. Additionally, SI Winchester shares the remarkable story of Jackie, a new member overcoming societal expectations and limited educational opportunities, highlighting the spirit of empowerment championed by Soroptimist International. These narratives underscore the pivotal role of education in breaking barriers and fostering inclusive opportunities for a brighter and more equitable future.

SI Leeds

In our pursuit to address the gender gap in STEM fields and uplift young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, SI Leeds, within the SIGBI Federation, collaborated with Leeds Beckett University to establish a three-year scholarship program. This initiative, aimed at empowering aspiring individuals, has already made a transformative impact. Laura, a recipient of the scholarship pursuing Occupational Therapy, shares her inspiring journey from doubting her educational path to achieving newfound confidence and success.

‘At SI Leeds we decided we wanted to try to end the gender imbalance in STEM careers and support young women from deprived backgrounds to supported throughout university. We thought that a good way to do this was by the use of scholarships and together with Leeds Beckett University set up a 3-year scholarship programme. Members of SI Leeds interviewed the short list drawn up by the university and selected our recipient.’

Laura, is studying Occupational Therapy and has these words for us.

“I left school in 2008 with only a C in maths, strongly believing that education wasn’t for me. I struggled academically and later realised I had undiagnosed dyslexia. For many reasons, I never believed that university was possible for me, that it was something other people could strive towards, but never me. I later began working in the NHS as a clinical support worker with the initial hope of progressing into nursing.

However, a few years in I became a mum and my priorities and goals shifted. Once I discovered where I wanted my career to go I had to start from the beginning. I gained an English GCSE, completed an access course, and was finally accepted into university. It meant so much to receive this scholarship. I’ve been able to completely focus my studies, and it really took away some of the financial pressures I faced while juggling my role as a single parent.

I’ve gained so much confidence in my first semester at Leeds Beckett and overcome so many of my own worries and fears about studying in higher education. The Soroptimist International of Leeds Scholarship has allowed me to purchase equipment to create a dedicated study space whilst working from home, which has really helped me to continue my studies flexibly and comfortably outside of the university environment. I’m so very grateful to have been chosen for the scholarship, and it has had a huge impact on my life this year. Thank you so much to Soroptimist International of Leeds for this opportunity!”

SI Winchester

Also within the SIGBI Federation, Jackie, a new member of the SI Winchester Club, has shared with us her personal journey of overcoming societal expectations and limited education opportunities. From leaving school with minimal qualifications and societal expectations guiding her towards traditional roles, Jackie’s story unfolds into a remarkable narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning, embodying the spirit of empowerment championed by Soroptimist International.

“When I was at school (a very long time ago) I was never encouraged to think I would be good enough to go to college. I was constantly told ‘School days are the best days of your life’ and upon leaving, I was advised to work in a factory, office, or shop until I got married and had children.

I left with 1 ‘O’ level and no belief in my-self. Once I started work, however, I realised that I hadn’t enjoyed school and gained more confidence as I gained experience in my jobs.

Coming from a family of 5, my brother and eldest sister had both become teachers. This proved useful as my brother only lived 20 miles away. With this advantage he was able to provide extra guidance on how to study / revise for exams. As a result, I gained a good grade ‘O’ level in English.

This started me thinking if I work hard maybe I can achieve more. When I visited the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), they helped me understand the process of applying to college. The contact at CAB was the wife of the owner to the company I worked for. She made it very clear information between us was confidential and supported my application to attend college completing a Higher National Diploma in Business full time. She was brilliant.

I was able to gain a small grant and although I had to cope with the loss of my mother to cancer that same year and residing in some houses / flats that were not particularly desirable it was as though the studying had woken my brain up. It was very hard work but so stimulating.

Since then, I have taken every opportunity to attend all the relevant training sessions I could.

I still don’t have ‘O’ level maths and yet when studying for my MSc had to do advanced multiple regression, advanced research, analysis, and much more.

I now have an MSc in Risk Management, a degree in Business, and a Higher National Certificate in Building whilst working full time. In addition to the usual Management courses and much more, I have enjoyed evening classes in car maintenance, environmental science, woodwork, picture framing, even had a go at palm reading; recently, I also attended a taster session on book binding.

I could never understand friends and colleagues who would miss out on an educational experience by not attending because they didn’t know anyone else also attending. I have had a varied career as a buyer in the construction industry, selling damp proof course and membrane to Architects, engineers and demonstrating how to torch it into place on building sites across the south. I then changed from selling 20 products to thousands of PPE related products. When I went into Risk Management and Business Continuity. I had no strategic training and had never really heard of Business Continuity. However, I really enjoyed learning as much as I could and became the subject expert the senior team could refer to.

I believe learning and education is vital to attaining self-actualisation and take every opportunity to help others to explore the possibilities learning can give. Whilst I was the Chairperson for a national Risk Management group, I also established a mentoring scheme.

I’m not sure if I am determined or just stubborn to prove those who didn’t believe in me as being wrong.”

As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Education, these inspiring narratives from Laura and Jackie underscore the pivotal role that education plays in empowering individuals, breaking barriers, and fostering inclusive opportunities for a brighter and more equitable future.