SURREY STUDENT STEPS BACK IN TIME WITH CHIVAS BROTHERS’ BURSARY FUNDING

I’ve been fascinated by the literature of ancient Greece and Rome from a young age and was eager to pursue this further when accepted to study Classics at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. Despite being incredibly taxing, the course has enabled me to explore a huge range of texts in the original Latin and Greek, improving my language skills and expanding my interests. The philosophy and history of the Classical era also provide insight into the modern world and demonstrate the continued relevance of the subject that I study with so much passion.

However, when the time came to fill out the financial forms before the start of term I naturally felt somewhat apprehensive. The university estimates that the maintenance costs for a year of study are around £8,500, so I had to find a way to cover the shortfall between that and my student loan. The Chivas Brothers’ bursary scheme was suggested as a solution by my father, David.

The bursary is delivered in partnership with the Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) and gives employees of Chivas Brothers and their families the opportunity to receive financial support for further education or training. I couldn’t believe it when I was awarded the maximum individual grant of £2,000. It has been fantastic at facilitating my first year at Cambridge, enabling me to purchase all the necessary books and resources, as well as relieving some of the inevitable pressure that comes when first moving away from home.

On top of helping to fund my studies, the grant has enabled me to take part in extra-curricular activities too. They are such a big part of student life at Cambridge and having that extra financial support meant I was able to attend the women’s rugby tour in Paris earlier this year. It was such an amazing experience that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Chivas Brothers. I’d definitely recommend the bursary scheme to others who are worried about funding further education or training.