Yusuf is a current student studying Business Management at Queen Mary University of London. Yusuf was awarded a Queen Mary Performance Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding achievements at University.
My name is Yusuf, and I am the eldest of three siblings. My mum works part-time as a GP, while my dad runs and is self-employed as a legal advisor. My brother is an aspiring solicitor, now in his second year at university, and is following in our dad's footsteps by studying law. My younger sister is diving into her studies in early education and childcare at college. Additionally, I take on the responsibility of helping to care for my grandmother, which brings a rewarding element to my daily routine.
Queen Mary is a Russel Group university with an exceptional reputation. This, paired with the fact that my grandma is elderly, were key reasons I chose Queen Mary as my university. I am now in my final year studying accounting and finance. The course is intense and contains a mixture of exams and coursework. I have tried to stay focused throughout my course and ensured that I allocate sufficient time for self-study and revision, which has allowed me to stay on track for a first-class classification.
I have taken on two part-time jobs to cover various expenses throughout my time in university. One job involves scanning and filing at a GP practice, and the other tutoring 11+ students at a local tuition centre.
I felt surprised and honoured upon receiving the scholarship. My parents were proud, and it was a great feeling for them to know their hard work supporting my education was paying off, all of which motivated me for my final year of university. Financial worries are especially burdensome for students amidst the current cost of living crisis. Rising expenses for education and basic necessities add significant stress and can impact many students’ overall well-being and academic performance. The performance scholarship has allowed me to focus on academics and personal growth and alleviated financial pressures.
I am excited for the future and cannot wait to establish my career at PwC. I applied for numerous internships during my second year of university and secured an audit summer internship at PwC. After completing the four-week program, I was offered a graduate job with an ACA training contract commencing in September 2024 after my graduation.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to the generous donors who made these awards possible. Your support inspires students who may face financial challenges and often go unnoticed for academic excellence. Your contributions empower us to achieve our dreams and create a brighter future. Thank you for your kindness and belief in our potential.