“My mum didn’t go to university, as she was 18 when she had me. She grew up with me since she was only a kid when she had me, which made things complicated because I wasn’t getting what others were – a parent who could guide me into university life."
This week’s Human of York is English student Layla, who was the first in her family to go to university. But she didn’t always have this vision. She shared her story:
“My sixth form college showed me all the widening participation programmes, which is how I found the Next Step York programme that got me into university. It showed me what university would be like.
“My plans now are completely different. I’m studying English Literature at York, and I’m also the music editor for one of the student newspapers. I get to publish articles in print and online, which is definitely a big step forward if I want to go into journalism.
“I met a few people at Next Step York before coming to university, who are now some of my closest friends. We fit very well together and now we even live together."
At York we’re supporting life-changing outreach programmes like the one Layla attended, that help talented young people see university in their future.
“Without programmes like Next Step York, supported by the University of Opportunity, I wouldn’t be here and neither would some of my friends.
"University is such an important experience, it’s been the best year of my life and everyone should have access to it regardless of their background.”
