As a widening access student, I was very nervous in applying for a second degree in dentistry as I wasn’t sure how I would balance my studies with my other commitments in life. I was really worried about finances and feared that I wouldn't be able to make ends meet if I returned to study. Even applying felt scary, I wasn't sure if "people like me" got the chance to study at Glasgow University with such a competitive application process.

I took a leap of faith and applied to study dentistry after completing my previous studies. When the offer for interview came in, I cried tears of happiness and a wave of reassurance told me that I am worthy of a place on this course. I had wanted to be a dentist since I was a teenager but with a challenging childhood, I couldn't apply from school as I didn't meet the entry requirements. I went to my interview and much to my surprise, it went really well. A few months later, an offer to study Bachelors of Dental Surgery arrived in my inbox. I was finally into my dream course!!!! Queue the realisation I now needed to sort student finance to allow me to attend the course.

The widening access team were so helpful and even gave me advice about finances before I got an offer. Once my place was confirmed, I was told how much financial support I could receive from each support service. They even offered to set me up with an assigned point of contact to ensure my transition was smooth. The team couldn't have been any more helpful and assured me they would always be there for support throughout. In the dental school, I have accessed the mentor support service and found it useful to share my problems with staff and get confidential advice.

When I arrived for my first day on the course, a whole new range of anxieties arrived. I walked into a room and didn't see myself reflected back at me. I felt old, awkward and as if nobody was like me here. I soon realised they were only anxieties though, I met lots of new friends just like me! I met friends I've cried, laughed, sung and danced with these friends since. After thinking I wouldn't meet anyone like me, I met kindred spirits who motivate me and pick me up when I'm down.

I'm now in my second year and feel more confident than ever before. The difficulties I've experienced in my life have taught me valuable lessons in resilience, confident and growth which I can apply to my studies. I will undoubtedly struggle again during my studies, but I know I have more than enough support within my school and friends to come back stronger than before.

University is a great place for people with lived experience to be the positive change they want to see in their university and wider society. There are opportunities to represent your community and improve the learning experience for those from a widening access background. I would encourage new students to join societies and meet other students. Friends are a staple in a new course.

Managing your studies and competing commitments can be quite challenging as a widening access student. It can feel very overwhelming at times but there is always support on hand. There have been times I struggled with managing big emotions and I have been very thankful to have a mentor programme in the dental school. I have used a mentor on several occasions and always felt a weight lifted after chatting to them about my problems and working on solution together. I have also used the counselling service during my studies, and it helped me work through some challenging times. On other occasions, my life has been so overwhelming I can't meet deadlines at university and the staff have always supported me in setting alternative dates to give me time to catch up.

Beyond the official support, I have been so lucky to meet some amazing members of staff who have become real lifelines for me!

I think going forward, it would be great to have a peer support network to connect students with similar life experiences. I'd love to see more events for socialising and meetings held by reps to identify challenges in our community and take effective action! Our community is diversifying and if you are thinking of applying, we would love to have you!

First published: 14 March 2024

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