Paul, Insight2Uni Mentee

Paul, a second-year Business Management student at the University of East Anglia (UEA), represents the transformative impact of the Insight2Uni programme. Coming from a socio-economic background where university was a completely outside of the norm, Paul discovered UEA through the programme and is now excelling in his studies while preparing for a year in industry.

"Being from Hackney and the first generation to go to university in my family, I never thought about going to uni. But now that I'm here, I can show my younger siblings that if I can do it, they can do it too - and I hope other students who are in a similar predicament can see they can get there too if they get the support they need.”

Paul, lnsight2Uni mentee

Outcomes

Paul's journey with Insight2Uni opened his eyes to the possibilities of higher education. Coming from an inner-city London borough and being the first in his family to have the option to attend university, Paul knew little about higher education and struggled to see himself pursuing a degree. This was despite attending a well-regarded secondary school where university progression was widely spoken about. "The process really helps because I could relate to people that were like me. My mentor was from the same area and grew up the same way," Paul explains.

Now in his second year at UEA, Paul is flourishing. He's actively involved in multiple societies, including the Afro-Caribbean Society, Business Society and Finance Society. The confidence and knowledge he gained through the programme have enabled him to fully embrace university life and take advantage of the opportunities available to him.

Lasting Legacy

Paul's success story embodies the Insight2Uni's mission to create lasting change. His journey particularly resonates as he's now studying at the very university he visited through the programme, proving that with the right support, perceived barriers to higher education can be overcome.

The impact extends beyond Paul himself - he now serves as an inspiration for his younger siblings and peers from similar backgrounds, showing them that university is an achievable goal. His experience demonstrates how targeted support can help talented students from underrepresented backgrounds access and thrive in higher education.