Travel Scholarship Launch!

On 1^st November the Travel Scholarship 2018 was launched to Sixth Formers, as they had their eyes opened to the fantastic and life-changing opportunities a gap year could give them and, in addition, give back to others. Old Leightonians Colin Garrett and Alex Wilson spoke of the life-changing experiences they gained from their own travel; fifty years on Colin is generously supporting the funding of the Scholarship.

Alex Wilson came back to the Park to present to students how the travel scholarship gave her not only just a memorable gap year, but one that also began to build the foundations of her career and put her in great stead for her university studies.

With a desire to study Marine Biology at university, Alex was awarded the Travel Scholarship two years ago so she could travel to South Africa and Thailand and work as a volunteer in marine conservation and diving. With the help of the scholarship and the addition of Alex’s hard-earned money through part-time jobs, she was able to get first-hand experience at working in marine biology, confirming to her that it was the right choice as it unlocked her passion for the subject, giving her the drive to pursue it as a career.

From open water courses in South Africa to reef conservation and diving in Thailand, Alex came away with an abundance of brilliant experiences but also a wealth of knowledge. Alex was able to get the chance to work in the field she wants to pursue, gain vital work experience before undertaking her studies, whilst also making a positive difference in the world through her work.

Impressed with her enthusiasm and hard work Alex has since been invited back for an internship in Thailand where she will be leading volunteers on dives and working more on the research on the centres’ findings.

“I would recommend students applying for the Travel Scholarship because it has shown me what exactly it is I want to do and what I am passionate about and really made a huge impact on me and my future.” commented Alex.

The successful applicant of the Travel Scholarship will be announced at Final Collect in the Summer term – we look forward to hearing what the adventurous recipient will be doing and how they will be using the money to make a difference.