Access student is awarded prestigious bursary

A successful Access to Higher Education student from Riverside College is celebrating after receiving the fantastic news that she has been awarded a bursary from the Ascentis David J Moore Memorial Bursary in recognition of her academic excellence during her course at the College.

Samantha Shelvin, who completed her Access to Allied Health Care Professions with a remarkable 45 distinctions, was put forward for the award by her tutors on the course who were extremely impressed with her hard work and dedication during the year long course.

She was delighted to return to College to receive her bursary of £200 which will help fund books and equipment for the Degree in Physiotherapy she has now started at the University of Salford.

Samantha said, “I was over the moon when I heard that I had received the David J Moore Memorial Bursary, I had to work hard to gain the 45 distinctions needed to secure my place at university, so it is lovely to get this award as recognition for all of my efforts.

“I used to have a full time job in sales before I decided to return to education. I started to look at what qualifications I would need to become a physiotherapist and found the access course at Riverside College. The course totally prepared me for university and the tutors at the College are both motivational and inspiring. They were always there to help me to achieve my best. I am now one step closer to my dream job.”

Joanne Martin, Head of Access to Higher Education at Riverside College said, “It was great to see Samantha again. We are very proud of her award and pleased that she has had a great start to her university course.

“An increasing number of mature students come to Riverside College each year to change their lives and kick start a new dream career. We are expecting many more students to enquire about the Access to Higher Education courses and other career enhancing qualifications in the New Year with the announcement of the midyear courses starting at the College in January which can be found on our website.”