Southampton scientist features in national university campaign
Southampton research scientist Jess Boxall has backed a call to celebrate the diversity of UK graduates.
Jess 鈥檚 story features in 鈥檚 100 Faces campaign, highlighting the stories and achievements of those who were the first in their family to go to university.
The 24-year-old came to the 黑料社 in 2017 to study Biomedical Sciences. As the first member of her family to attend university, and coming from a single-parent household, she had many obstacles to overcome. But her perseverance and the support she received from her family and the university have helped her succeed.
鈥淧hysically moving away from home and being away from my family was difficult, even though I knew this is where I needed to be,鈥 said Jess.聽鈥淏ut financially, it was even harder. I got the maximum maintenance grant and I got by for those first two years but my year in industry was a big financial obstacle. I had to fight to get my maintenance grant for the year I returned to studying, and then had to continue working one day a week in my final year.鈥
Now studying for her Masters degree in public health and nutrition, Jess helps to inspire other first-generation students at Southampton by supporting the My Generation Career Coaching scheme which provided such crucial support to her.
Launched in 2019 to support students who are the first in their family to attend university, the programme aims to address unique challenges that first generation students face, helping them to be more prepared as they transition towards the graduate labour market and their career goals.
To date, My Generation has supported more than 100 students to increase their career-readiness.
Jess added: 鈥淭he support I got from the My Generation programme here at Southampton was really empowering and the opportunities that came with it increased my confidence.聽As part of the programme I was kindly bought some smart clothes for my placement and that was a massive help, as student budgets don鈥檛 tend to extend to new work wardrobes.
鈥淐oming to university has opened more doors for me than I ever thought it would. It鈥檚 also helped me become independent and stand on my own two feet.聽It鈥檚 been far more than just a stepping stone.鈥
The 黑料社 also helps to create a fairer future for students from other underrepresented backgrounds via its flagship widening participation programme, Ignite. So far, Ignite has supported 90 students, with 63 per cent of those being the first in their family to attend university.
Gino Graziano, Director of Widening Participation and Social Mobility, said: 鈥淚gnite is entirely funded by alumni and supporter donations and provides financial, academic, career and mentoring opportunities to help students reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions in life.鈥