She studied Bsc Physical Geography, was the recipient of Royal Holloway's Future Leaders scholarship, and now she's the Students’ Union President. What did being a scholar mean to Kate Roberts and what will she do next?
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
"I was initially attracted to apply to the scholarship due to the name matching my ambition; future leader. The scholarship provided the opportunity for me to develop and hone my leadership skills, whilst studying a subject I love, at a University that really felt like a home away from home. I am always one to say that if you aren’t in the draw, you never have the opportunity to succeed. I submitted my application never believing that I would receive the scholarship but always holding onto the fact that you might as well try, and that opportunities in life are there to be taken."
How did you feel to receive the scholarship?
"I was ecstatic to receive the scholarship, I never believed that I would be lucky enough to receive it and I felt really proud of my accomplishments that had lead me to being chosen. I also entered my degree with a drive to prove myself and to make the most of my time at Royal Holloway and all of the opportunities it had to offer. I truly feel that without this scholarship, I would not be in the role I now currently hold, leading the student body at Royal Holloway."
How did the scholarship help you through your university journey?
"Coming from a state school, I had a number of apprehensions about the student loan system. I had little understanding of the complexities of how the finances and student debt worked, and I know that this can be a real barrier to students attending University. The scholarship allowed me to leave some of that worry entering Higher Education behind, leaving me to focus on throwing myself into the course and the University experience here at Holloway. The scholarship drove me to succeed in my academic studies, as there were others who very much felt I deserved to be here, as well as get involved in a whole range of student activity; I got stuck in with Women’s Football, becoming Charity Secretary in my 3rd year, I was a Course Rep for my first two years, later becoming the Faculty Rep for Science in my third year, and I took up a job in the Students’ Union to help develop my skills and work experience."
Did the scholarship make a difference to you choosing Royal Holloway? If so, how?
"I chose Royal Holloway because of the Future Leader’s scholarship, but it felt very much right for me. I attended Royal Holloway on my first ever University open day and immediately fell in love with the department and the feel of the campus. However, there are so many things to consider when applying to Universities and my head was telling me to think seriously about my other options. When the scholarship came through, I absolutely knew I had to take it, and it felt like the right decision. I couldn’t imagine studying anywhere else."
What advice would you give someone looking to apply for a scholarship?
"Just go for it! Even if you don’t think you have the right skills, or you think there will be someone better than me so why should I bother. You should absolutely apply as you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!"
What are your future ambitions?
"I want to continue working in charities, as I couldn’t imagine doing anything different. My current role as President ends in July 2021, and I am hoping to find a job in a new charity to move on to. I am also a national Advocate and spokesperson for Girlguiding UK and an Ambassador for the Young Trustees Movement, I hope to continue to build on these roles and seek new opportunities."
