She's one of only 100 scholars selected from over 3,000 applicants.
Tazmin Mansbridge, a first year Graphic Design student, has been awarded a place on the Santander Universities Scholarship programme. Worth £30,000 over three years, she's one of only 100 scholars selected from over 3,000 applicants.
The funding aims to help students improve their employability, skills, and personal development while studying for their degree. Santander Universities UK also provides scholars with a programme of training and networking opportunities, including a recent event hosted at Wembley Stadium.
The theme of the day was personal wellbeing and performance, with training sessions on healthy lifestyles and personal development. The scholars also enjoyed a Q&A featuring former Lioness, Rachel Yankey, OBE and former Tottenham Hotspur Football Club player, Michael Dawson.
Matt Hutnell, Director, Santander Universities UK, said: “Education isn’t everything, but it’s almost everything. Through the Santander Universities Scholars Programme, we’re working with our partner universities to support students from underrepresented backgrounds to overcome barriers and achieve their ambitions.”
Tazmin’s story
Tazmin, who is originally from Portsmouth, is the first person in her family to go to University. As a mature student who worked to support herself during the first year of her studies, she found it challenging at times. She was motivated to apply for the scholarship in the hope that it would give her the security to be able to explore her studies and ideas for business afterwards.
Tazmin said: “When I was younger I thought I was never going to uni. Being awarded the scholarship has been life changing. I had been wishing something would come along to help me, and give me a five minute breather. The email popped up saying congratulations, and I didn’t know what to do with myself!”
Tazmin hopes to start exploring her own creative business ideas during and after her degree. With the scholarship funding she now plans to invest in software training and business development.
She added: “The scholarship means I can reduce my hours at my part time job and spend the time to develop myself. I don’t have to worry about making ends meet and can pursue more creative ideas around a design business. And instead of just hoping to get good grades over the next two years, now I can get the best experience possible from university.
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