Scholarship funds ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for University of Brighton student

Nursing student and recipient of The Sally Adams scholarship, Emily Cleaver, tells us about her recent experiences working in the Philippines

Emily was awarded her scholarship last year and used the funding to facilitate a three-week placement in the Philippines.

What did you experience?

“For the first two weeks I was working with the paediatric team at the government hospital, and for the final week I was living among the Ati-ati tribe, working with their community health services and the operating theatre for emergency surgeries. I have never and probably will never have an experience remotely close to this again, I was completely thrown out of my comfort zone in the best possible way.

“I was shocked at the lack of resources that the hospitals were faced with, but couldn’t believe the ingenuity of the medical staff to work around this. The whole experience was very emotionally challenging as the level of practice varies massively from that in the UK, but it was amazing to see the sense of community that develops during these challenging times.”

What difference has this scholarship made to you?

“I feel this whole experience has completely changed me as a person; it has shown me how strong people can be and how important certain attributes of nursing care are. Witnessing patients not receiving what are seen as the ‘basics’ in the UK – such as privacy – has really reiterated their importance to me, in a way I will never forget.”

What would you say to other students who might be considering applying for funding?

“Do it! The whole experience is once in a lifetime, take the opportunity and make the most of all the support you can get. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Is there anything you’d like to say to the donors who made this experience possible?

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the donor; there are not enough words to show my appreciation for the support. It is such a beautiful thing to help and support students and it really has given me the opportunity to do things I probably will never be able to do again.”

The Sally Adams Scholarship

The scholarship was set up in memory of Sally Adams, a valued and much loved member of the nursing administration team at the University of Brighton. Due to Sally’s commitment to her role, and to those nursing students that she supported, Sally’s family generously funded a scholarship to honour her memory.

To find out more about student funding opportunities and how your support can change the lives of Brighton students, visit our website.