The UCL East London Scholarship: Rafael's story

How did the UCL East London Scholarship help you?  

To put it quite straightforward, I strongly considered giving up on my offer at UCL if I didn't receive any financial help. The scholarship is the one reason why I am here today able to pursue and finish off my masters while also working within my industry part-time. It has been incredibly helpful not having money concerns regarding tuition and (to some extent) maintenance. I will forever remember the day I received the acceptance letter for the scholarship. 

Tell us about your degree here and what about this field of study interests/excites you. 

As I am writing this I am coming towards the end of my MSc programme Prosperity, People and Planet. What excites me the most about the course as I am coming to its conclusion is the breadth and depth of the topics and how you can tailor your interests within each module. I am particularly proud to have been able to undertake a community engaged dissertation as part of my final year module, where I was able to learn and apply my knowledge alongside an incredible climate change grassroots organisation and make a real impact.  

What are you doing now (work/study/hobbies etc)?  

As a part-time student working within a sustainability consultancy in London, I am soon to transition towards a full-time role within my company. I am quite excited to give my full self to the role. We have already been receiving very interesting climate resilience pieces of work directly related to my dissertation topic so I am satisfied to see the real life learning from my research out there. Regarding hobbies, as my timetable starts easing up I want to take up creative outlets again, so I am thinking of getting back into textiles and ceramics if possible.  

What are your dreams career wise?  

I think this is a tricky question that I won’t be really able to answer any time soon, I mean with my whole life ahead of me who knows where I will end up? I am quite satisfied with my career right now, but I would love to further explore the creative industries or start my own thing in the future. For now, the sustainability world has been kind and generous to me. 

Did you have a stand out lecturer or subject while at UCL? Someone that really inspired you?  

I have to give a special thank you to both Dr. Nikolay Mintchev and his incredible module 'Social Theories of Prosperity' and Dr. Kate Maclean for 'Prosperity from below'. They have both been incredibly engaged and intellectually stimulating, getting me to rediscover my interest in philosophy and real-life applications.  

What excited you specifically about the UCL East campus?  

I think I really enjoyed the fact that it was a novel space with a lot of different facilities and spaces to work and study. As an east London resident, the location is also very convenient, just a short ride on the DLR from my house. I remember how much awe I felt when I first stepped into the building. 

How do you think the scholarship could help future UCL students?  

I believe the scholarship will be able to offer a much deserved opportunity to study at a postgraduate level to fellow working class/disadvantaged peers who don't have that option. Being able to remove concerns related to finances and to focus on studies will make a massive difference, and hopefully inspire more east Londoners to pursue their dreams. 

Any other insights about the scholarship that you would like to communicate?  

The application process was very simple and quick, it is genuinely worth a shot. Everyone within the programme has also been extremely patient and helpful, so you will never feel like you don't have a support system.  

If you've been inspired by Rafael's journey, check out if you're eligible for the East London Scholarship.