Siân Pooley
Subject: History

Institution: University of Cambridge

 

Starting university is a daunting experience for anyone and, as a wheelchair user with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, I was petrified about how I was going to manage at university. At school I had used a manual wheelchair and relied on the help of a support assistant and my family. However, I was determined to be entirely independent when I left home. I decided that I would need a small electric mobility scooter and thanks to the Snowdon Award Scheme, I was able to purchase the scooter.

 

In applying, being interviewed and studying at St John’s College, Cambridge I have found everyone very friendly and unprejudiced. Most importantly, I have always been treated as an individual. Both my college and department offer a lot of support if I need it, but without being patronising or interfering. In my case, this has included fitting out my room so that everything is within easy reach, building ramps, fetching books, and moving lectures and supervisions to accessible rooms.

 

My time as an undergraduate has been incredibly rewarding. I write weekly for a student newspaper, help organise a community-based volunteering scheme and have played the cello in several music groups. I have loved studying for my history degree, which has constantly challenged and inspired me academically. Indeed, I am hoping to continue at Cambridge next year to study for a PhD in history. As all wheelchair users know, access can be frustrating at times. Cambridge is an amazing place to study but it was not built with access in mind – 500 year old buildings, and winding staircases are not ideal for wheelchairs. However, the university also has the funds and dedication to improve access wherever possible.

 

I cannot believe how fast the last three years have gone or how much I have learnt in that time. Above all, I feel very lucky that I have had the privilege of being able to fulfil my dreams and overcome any difficulties, and just hope that others have the same chances. University can show you just how endless opportunities in life can be, and, most importantly, that if you want to do something, virtually anything is possible.

 

[Updated 31st January 2006]