Every gift you give tells a story - and thanks to donors like you, this one begins with opportunity. We’re proud to introduce you to Karen Wilkinson, a Mature Student Scholarship recipient whose journey reflects the life-changing impact your generosity makes every day. After graduating in 2025, things began to fall into place and the years of hard work are finally paying off.

Here, Karen tells us more about her journey, and how her scholarship was a source of belief and encouragement and empowerment.

“A little bit about me – prior to Lancaster, I briefly ran my own business for a while, but sadly it failed. I then found myself working in the local Co-op to make ends meet and I realised it wasn’t the future I wanted. I took a deep breath, thought long and hard about what I did want from life, and made the leap to apply for university. I originally enrolled in Social Work, but after my first placement, I came to understand that it wasn’t the right path for me. I changed to Applied Social Studies instead, and it’s been the perfect fit - combining sociology and psychology in a way that has really inspired me.

“Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I took a year out early in my studies to support my daughter through her own struggles, and then returned more determined than ever to make the most of this opportunity. Like many mature students, juggling university, family life, and finances hasn’t been simple - student finance doesn’t always stretch far, and I’ve had to make some tough choices, like prioritising food and bills over commuting in the final weeks of term.

“That’s why this scholarship means so much. It’s lifted a huge weight and opened doors I didn’t think were possible. In fact, as soon as I found out I’d been successful, I applied for a job further afield - one I’d never have considered before due to poor public transport links. I’ve already been invited to interview, and now I’ll be able to look at getting a car and smart clothes for interviews. It’s not just the money - it’s the belief that someone like me can still take bold steps forward.

“One of the most transformative parts of my university experience, socially and personally, was a (nearly) fully funded cultural exchange trip to Malaysia last summer. It was an incredible opportunity - something I never dreamed I’d get to do - and it changed me in ways I’m still discovering.

“I learned so much, not just about the country and the culture, but about the world and my place in it. I challenged myself, tried new things, and connected with people I might never have met otherwise - though the fact we were all Northern definitely helped!

“Graduation was an amazing day - a truly epic conclusion to my student journey, and a chance to celebrate all the ups and downs that brought me to that moment.

“After graduating, I struggled at first to find a role and even took on an extra part-time job to keep things going. But then, within two weeks of starting that, everything seemed to fall into place. I found a car within my price range, and was offered a job as a Customer Service Coordinator at Wax Lyrical. Today was my very first day (at the time of writing), and it went really well - I can genuinely see this being a long-term role for me.

“It feels like all the hard work has finally paid off, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of the scholarship. Thank you again, so much, for the belief and encouragement you gave me. It made a real difference at a time when I needed it most.”