A life-changing conversation  

Four years ago, I was working as a receptionist and switchboard operator at a private hospital near Great Portland Street. Although I’d completed college, I could not go to university. The reason being that I didn’t qualify for a student loan. During this time, the career advisor from my former college reached out to me about a new full-tuition scholarship—something called the Hult Scholar Grant. I feel very grateful to him looking back, as it was thanks in part to him that I am where I am today. 

When George met Hult  

During the next few weeks, I had opportunities to meet with students at the time and learn more about the school, curriculum, and campuses. Most importantly, I learned about the school’s culture, its students, the faculty, and the various resources available to prospective students. There was a lot to learn but it helped make the transition to university much easier.  

The interview 

I will never forget that interview. To have a quiet place to conduct the interview, I went to the local community center. However, I experienced technical issues with my laptop. The red line of death on the battery. I rushed to the store with five minutes to spare and brought a charger, but still had to conduct the rest of the interview on the phone I only had half the time left! I seriously wanted to get in and, ultimately, I was very emotional in my responses. When he asked me why I wanted the scholarship, I really poured my heart out. When he asked how I could add value to Hult I gave it my all. And, in the end, I got the scholarship. The rest is history. 

I worked day and night, living paycheck to paycheck…It was thanks to the grant that I was able to graduate without worrying about my financial situation, get a job doing what I love, and support my family.

 Newly empowered 

Three years ago, I would not have been able to afford to attend an institution like Hult. 

Since arriving in the UK six years ago, I have been working various jobs from cleaning to being a receptionist. I worked day and night, living paycheck to paycheck, and living in an unfavorable situation. It was thanks to the grant that I was able to graduate without worrying about my financial situation, get a job doing what I love, and support my family. My future is a lot brighter, and I feel a lot happier about my life now. 

These days I’m part of the graduate program at HSBC Asset Management UK. I work as an analyst within the private markets team, situated in their alternative investment business. I will also work across other areas of the business over the next year. It feels right as HSBC has been there for as long as I’ve been at Hult. These two huge institutions will likely be a part of my life forever.     

There are many people, across the world, who have the talent and tenacity to make a difference in their lives and those of others. The Hult Scholar Grant can give these people the opportunity to do so. 

Empowering others  

There are many studies on social mobility however, the consensus is that it is much harder to succeed in life if you are an ethnic minority, a foreigner, come from a low socioeconomic background, and have parents who are lower working class. These are tough realities the Hult Scholar Grant seeks to address head-on.    

All of the above apply to me. It feels like I’ve had to make double the effort to get my foot in the door, to get a seat at the table, and to feel like I belong in the room. The reality is that I am not the only one. There are many people, across the world, who have the talent and tenacity to make a difference in their lives and those of others. The Hult Scholar Grant can give these people the opportunity to do so. 

Could you help more people like George transform their lives through the Hult Scholar Grant?

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