Jennifer Dawson (Clinical LLB)

Joining the University of Strathclyde at 37 presented a myriad of problems for me. To enter a law degree at that age seemed laughable. Being a mother, a mature student, and someone who did not take a conventional route in education all added to my unease about taking on this task.

I did not come from a stable background. As such, I believed that university was not something I would ever reach.

Entering back into education as a lone parent to a child with additional needs was a mammoth task. I spent four years at college going from an access course to a Business HNC, to a HND in Legal Services, where I achieved 3 A’s. My college lecturers had guided me along this route and university became possible.

When I was accepted into Strathclyde Law School I was elated (and slightly stunned). I would be the first person in my family to attend university.

Now panic set in. How would I afford books? How would I afford childcare? How would I afford rent? Yes, I would have a student loan and SAAS, but would I manage? Let’s not even talk about the disruption due to the pandemic! I was back in that place of impossibility and that university was out of my reach.

Shortly before term started, it was suggested I could apply for the John Fitzsimmons Scholarship Fund. It was a last-ditch effort, a pipe dream. After reading about the Fund and about John Fitzsimmons, I decided to give it a go. Maybe I’d be lucky and get some help.

I realised that the Fund did apply to me, I was a mature student like John, with children and a keen interest in criminal law.

My interest in criminal law stemmed from seeing the ways the law failed my own family in some instances and saved me.

I had been the victim of violent crime. I had gone through the whole system seeking justice. In the end I did receive it from the skilled hands of the prosecutors who fought my case and got me to safety. Those two women, who so deftly and professionally helped me, are one of the biggest reasons I decided to pursue law. I wanted to do the same for others.

Yet as I thought I could not afford the materials and financial pressures that would come along with being a full-time mature student I wondered if I would even make it to the University Welcome Week. So I applied for a John Fitzsimons Scholarship and thought nothing more about it.

When I received the email informing me that I had been successful I was in shock. I would be going to university to study law! I was able to buy my books, I was able to secure my childcare for my son with his specialist caregiver, I was able to put our bills in order so that my university journey started on a level that was good.

Having access to my physical books enabled me to study around my homelife responsibilities, it allowed me to take my time and absorb what I needed to know. I honestly think the Merit Pass I achieved in First Year is down to the fact I had those books.

Without the scholarship I do not think I would have done so well. Without the scholarship I don’t think I would have passed or even have gone to Law School at all.

I am so thankful and grateful to those who set up the Fund and continue to support it. Hopefully in the future I will be able to too.

Karen Lee-Johnston (LLB (GE) (Clinical)) 

Being one of the fortunate few that was awarded the John Fitzsimmons memorial fund last year made an enormous difference to me and my family – and not just in financial terms. 

Being a widowed mother of three children, one of whom has cancer, meant the world to my morale. 

I have always acknowledged that my circumstances were difficult. But they are by no means unique. The difference was that I came out of those experiences wanting to give back to society. My graduate law degree provided me with that chance, but a John Fitzsimons Scholarship gave me the confidence to believe that I was good enough to be here. It meant that in my thirties a chance to make a new start was still possible. 

Nothing about the law degree course has been easy, especially with the effects of the Covid lockdowns and restrictions. But I have enjoyed learning about all areas of law. 

I have put in 100% effort. Even when my daughter got ill and needed further treatment, I studied from hospitals at night, because of the faith this John Fitzsimons Fund showed in me. 

I don’t believe that anyone can really understand the ultimate value of the Scholarship beyond the financial, unless they enter this area of study, at this stage in life. 

Nothing is harder than juggling children and a degree alone, and then add in a sick child and it just makes you all the more determined to make a success of it. 

Being the age, I am, I am under no illusions about the challenges I will face in securing long-term employment and with my additional responsibilities., But it hasn’t stopped me from participating fully and aiming for my very best achievements.

I regret nothing about this change in in my life-journey. 

I hope that somehow, someway, someday I can make a difference too. I want to prove to my children that life goes on after significant tragedy, dreams can come true (but not for free), and that anything is possible with hard work. No matter what your background, age or anything else that makes human put limits on aspirations. 

If my dreams do come true I will be in a secure position to help those less fortunate in society and be able to contribute financially to the John Fitzsimons Fund to help people like me, who have life experience, but low confidence, personal responsibilities and found their way later in life, so that they can have that opportunity that I had. 

Without the aid of the fund I would not have had courage or resources to believe that I could even dream. 

The John Fitzsimons Scholarship has given me back the confidence that had long since abandoned me; self-respect; and the belief that I was able and could succeed in the Law degree.

Danielle McLuckie (Diploma)

Receiving the John Fitzsimmons Scholarship was a lifeline for me. If it wasn’t for such an award there would have been no way in which I could have afforded the fees for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. I am extremely grateful to the fund, and hope that it can go on to help many others in the years to come.The journey towards my Traineeship wasn’t always plain sailing, with two young children to raise, and being a single parent, it was an extremely difficult period of my life. I also had health issues to contend with which involved numerous hospital stays and sometimes it felt that I would never get there. 

I had previously worked throughout my degree, but the timetable demands of the Diploma meant that I would have to give up work to complete the course.  This was frankly terrifying as I was unsure how I would be able to support myself and my children, and find the money to pay the upfront fees.  

Having the John Fitzsimons Scholarships available to students who do face financial hardship in the face of completing their degree or their Diploma is very encouraging as it means for some, that their dream of becoming a solicitor doesn’t have to end simply because they cannot afford tuition fees. 

With the extreme rise in the cost of living, I believe that the John Fitzsimons Scholarship Fund is more important than ever. 

I wish to express my gratitude for the Scholarship, as without it I would have been unable to secure a position as a trainee solicitor and I will be delighted to contribute to the fund in the future when my situation allows.