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Medical student Aminah Saeed tells us how the scholarship she received transformed and enriched her academic and personal journey.

My name is Aminah and I am studying on the Cambridge Graduate Medicine Course. I previously studied Pharmacy at UCL.

Receiving the MVM Scholarship for Women in STEMM earlier this year from Lucy Cavendish College has been a transformative opportunity that has greatly enriched my academic and personal journey, for which I am immensely grateful.

This prestigious award, generously provided, by a former associate of Lucy Cavendish College, reflects her dedication to supporting women in STEMM fields. This scholarship has not only alleviated financial constraints but has also given me the opportunity to speak with the team involved in helping students who may be struggling and allowed me to dedicate more time to my studies and participate in societies. It has also helped me pay for a part of my medical elective in Malaysia which truly was a life changing experience that I would have struggled to pay for otherwise.

The College's commitment to diversity and inclusion has further enriched my experience. With its record of accepting the highest number of students from state schools and maintaining the most ethnically diverse college population, I have had the privilege of engaging in a vibrant community that mirrors the global landscape. These interactions have expanded my cultural competence and provided a fertile ground for diverse perspectives, creating an optimal environment for learning and personal growth.

One of my deep passions lies in education, particularly in assisting individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. With this fervour in mind, I am working towards establishing a medical education platform aimed at providing free tools for aspiring medical school students worldwide. Through this initiative, I aspire to offer equal opportunities to individuals regardless of their background. By offering accessible resources and support, I intend to empower future medical professionals and contribute to narrowing educational disparities.

Upon graduating from Lucy Cavendish College, my ambitions are firmly rooted in this commitment to education and healthcare equality. By marrying my medical expertise with my passion for education, I hope to create a lasting positive impact on healthcare systems and the lives of those they serve.

Reflecting the values and ethos of Lucy Cavendish College, I am determined to contribute to a healthier, more equitable world while striving to inspire and uplift individuals who share the same aspirations.

Being a member of the Lucy community has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. One of the standout aspects is the unwavering support that I've received throughout my journey here. Whether I've needed assistance with my mental well-being, financial concerns, or academic challenges, I've always found a network of individuals ready to offer their help. The College has a remarkable way of connecting you with the right people or services, ensuring that you have the resources and guidance you need to thrive.

My experience at Lucy Cavendish College has provided me with a solid foundation to embark on my future career journey with confidence. The nurturing academic environment, coupled with the rich legacy of supporting women in STEMM and students coming from different socioeconomic backgrounds, has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives essential for success in my chosen path.

Supporting more students to study at Cambridge holds immense importance, especially in the face of the current financial challenges that many students, including myself, encounter.

When we provide more students with the opportunity to study at Cambridge through financial support, we are not only empowering these individuals to realise their academic potential but also contributing to a more diverse and inclusive educational landscape. Access to quality education should not be limited by financial or socio-economical constraints.

Furthermore, increasing the diversity of the student body enriches the academic discourse with a wealth of different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and prepares students to address complex global challenges in innovative ways.

What is Lucy's Festival of Giving?

Lucy’s Festival of Giving (12 October – 15 October 2023) is a campaign for a better, fairer future.

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