As a young boy growing up close to the University’s Old Aberdeen campus and with a passion for history, Adien Gordon never imagined that he would be accepted to study here, assuming his financial background would prevent it. But, following years of determination and the support of the Alistair Findlater Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire Trust Scholarship, Adien graduates on Wednesday 2 July with an MA in History & International Relations and has a bright future ahead of him. Here he tells us more about his story and his time at the University.
“As my time at the University of Aberdeen comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the positive experiences that have been offered to me throughout my years of study at the institution.
“My interest in the University began from an early age, having grown up nearby while the Sir Duncan Rice Library was under construction. I remember thinking around that time that I wanted to study History, having always had an interest in it. However, my ambition seemed far off as I grew up in, frankly, a financially unstable environment. Shortly after the opening of the Library in 2012, my family had to move from the area following rising costs. This, along with my generally ‘poor’ economic background, made me think that university just wouldn’t be something for me.
“Even at secondary school, attending any university, let alone one so highly ranked as Aberdeen, felt quite inaccessible to someone like me. Despite some strong passion and support from the teaching staff at my secondary school, it was still ranked the worst in Scotland for attainment in the year that I finished. I believe the statistic was as bleak as less than 10% of graduating pupils leaving with five or more Highers and I was one of them, leaving with only two. I felt that my goal of studying History at university was farther off than ever.
“Thankfully, following an HND course at the local city college NESCOL, the University of Aberdeen’s links allowed me to enter directly into the second year of study on their MA in History & International Relations. I was absolutely overwhelmed when I was officially accepted into the University - it felt as though a dream had come true as I became the first person in my family to attend Aberdeen.
“I found the entire experience of university to be incredibly positive, most of all the learning. The opportunity to be taught by world-leading experts in the fields of History & International Relations was surreal and it made me quite proud to think that my hometown could be the host to such a prestigious institution. My time at the University was underpinned by the excellent teaching from the staff across every course which I attended. It made me feel incredibly privileged to be studying under such competent and interesting lecturers.
“One highlight of my first year of learning at Aberdeen was during my course in the Birth of Modernity where I felt that we were given insight into a time period which I had never been given the chance to fully explore. It acted as a turning point in my academic development, where I realised that I was allowed to investigate any topic of interest, and be rewarded for it.
“Shortly after beginning my studies at Aberdeen, I applied for the University’s scholarship programme after being encouraged to do so by family members who thought that I would qualify for extra support. At the time I truly did not believe that I would be lucky enough to be accepted. However, shortly after applying I heard back letting me know that I had been successful and would receive the Alistair Findlater Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire Trust Scholarship. Hearing the news made me quite emotional. It felt as though somebody had really taken a chance on me and given me the opportunity to prove that I was deserving of the financial support that the scholarship provided.
“Through the Development & Alumni Relations team’s annual Scholars’ Reception, I met Alistair himself and got chatting with him about his hopes and goals for the scholarship. He let me know that I was the first person to receive the scholarship, and his hope was to give people in and around Aberdeen a chance to study at the University without the worry of financial hardship holding them back. Letting him know that I thought that this ambition was very admirable, I asked if there was any way I could support his efforts. Whilst Alistair thought it funny that his first scholarship recipient was already trying to give back, he let me know that he was also a Trustee for the Denis Law Legacy Trust, and that they were always looking for volunteers.
“The University has helped me so much in finding my True North by giving me the tools and opportunities needed to seek out the experiences which I have found most fulfilling. This includes supporting me through the ABDN Internship programme, which gave me the opportunity to work for Aberdeen Football Club as well as giving me important connections with the Scottish Wildlife Trust where I volunteer to this day. The chance to work and volunteer alongside my studies was incredibly fulfilling and could only be done with the full support of the University of Aberdeen. My final year at university has truly been one of the most meaningful of my life as I feel that I have been able to accomplish everything I wanted to without sacrificing my interests in volunteering.
“For any future students, my sole piece of advice is to fully make use of every opportunity afforded to you through the University, whether it be extracurricular activities, career opportunities, or even the chance to chat with some experts in your chosen field. Each and every one of these is what university life is all about, and Aberdeen is one of the best in affording these to you, so absolutely grab them whilst you have the chance!
“Following on from a very fruitful internship with Aberdeen Football Club, facilitated by the Careers team at the University, I hope to continue in my role with the Club’s Community Trust which aims to support Aberdeen through its education partnerships, along with its Health & Wellbeing programmes. I have already secured a full-time permanent position with the Trust, again with help from the Careers team who helped me improve my CV so I could put myself forward in the best way possible. Once again, my career ambitions have been directly aided by the University, and for that I will always be grateful for the work and support that they have put in to help me get to where I am today.
“I would like to close by once again thanking everyone at the University who helped me get to where I am now. This includes every lecturer I had during my time at the University of Aberdeen, especially my dissertation supervisor, Professor Thomas Weber! The Careers team who supported me in seeking work in every way they could, as well as the Development & Alumni Relations team who facilitated my scholarship. Finally, and most importantly, Alistair Findlater who took a chance on a local lad - I hope it has paid off!”
