Meet Will:
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m Will, 20 years old and currently studying Electronic Engineering at the University of Southampton. I enjoy technology, fitness, and a cross between the two in the form of paintball. With a keen interest in design, I look forward to a career in consumer electronics.
Why did you choose your course?
During my A-Level years, I was quite interested in product design. I enjoyed understanding how people interact with everyday objects, and with my own interest in technology, became rather interested in how people interact with electronic products. I came to realise the complexity of electronics, and understood that if I wanted to develop electronic or digital products, I needed knowledge of their engineering principles; electronic engineering was the obvious choice in this regard.
What has impressed you with Cowrie?
With Cowrie, I have been impressed by the sense of community that they create with our fellow scholars. Whilst our universities are spread widely throughout Britain, we are brought together digitally to create a greater bond. It is interesting to hear the happenings of other universities and share the varied experiences that we have had in our courses.
How did you feel being offered the scholarship?
When I was first offered the scholarship, I was coincidentally driving to my grandfather’s house. I remember expecting a rejection opening the email, but was overwhelmed with joy being accepted. My mother, focusing on the busy road ahead, didn’t really seem terribly moved, but when we arrived at my grandfather’s house and I was able to break such brilliant news in person, she gave her look of quiet pride as my grandfather, very happy with the news, congratulated me. Succinctly, it was overwhelming to know that I had been offered the scholarship, much like winning the lottery.
What difference will the scholarship and mentoring make?
The scholarship itself has already allowed me to leverage the opportunities at university that I would otherwise have likely missed out on. I can buy ancillary textbooks and materials for my course to deepen my understanding. I was able to join the Robotics and Paintball societies without any major impact on my finances.
Throughout my life I have never had a professional figure in my life that I have been able to speak to personally and look up to. The mentoring programme will allow me to speak to individuals with career experience and perspectives useful to me when looking into graduate employment.
What would you say to others considering giving to Cowrie?
For anyone looking to make an endowment to the Cowrie Scholarship, I would say that the scholarship is an unparalleled opportunity to allow Black students to reach their true academic and personal potential. The few words I write here do little to express the impact that this scheme has made to my academic, personal, and family life.