Nutrition student chosen for Uxbridge College’s Gavin Taylor Bursary Award

@UxbridgeCollege A Level achiever Magdalena Prus is celebrating after being selected to receive the Gavin Taylor Bursary Award 2020.

Magdalena, 22, was chosen to receive the grant of £1000 following her successful application earlier this year. During her A Level studies she overcame various challenges, including juggling the demands of her studies, dealing with anxiety, and looking after her daughter Antonina who is now four years old. 

Magdalena also demonstrated her commitment to the college, where she helped her tutor prepare lessons, and to her own community where she is an active member of Polish church and community and involved in fundraising activities.

Following her A Level successes in Biology, Chemistry and Sociology, she is now in the first year of BSc in Human Nutrition at London Metropolitan University, and plans to become a Dietician specialising in eating disorders.

The bursary fund was set up in memory of Gavin Taylor, who was a lab technician at college for 40 years. Its aim is to support students who demonstrate achievement, commitment to the college and the wider community, and who progress to Higher Education from the college’s Sixth Form in a science-related area. 

Magdalena said: “I am very pleased to have been chosen for the bursary through the Gavin Taylor Charitable Trust, it is very welcome to be recognised by college for my achievements and overcoming challenges. This award is giving me an extra boost of confidence and self-awareness, which I believe will support me to achieve well at university.”

The award is normally made at the college’s Annual Awards event, but as the college was unable to hold these due to Covid restriction this year, Dr Alastair Mullins, Director of 14-19 Programmes at Uxbridge College, presented Magdalena with her cheque.

Dr Mullins said: “Uxbridge College is very grateful to Gavin Taylor’s family for their continued generosity in supporting our science students in this way, and are very pleased to be able to support somebody with the commitment and drive demonstrated by Magdalena in moving forward in her education and career. We wish her all the best in the future and look forward to seeing how she progresses going forward.” 

As part of the conditions of her bursary, Magdalena will come back into college to talk to current students about university life and what she has learned about life and A Levels, particularly overcoming challenges.