Mia Kilduff’s Grandad was a huge motivation behind her decision to study law at university. As a descendant of the Windrush generation, Mia has always been aware of all the unseen efforts and struggles that have allowed her to attend university and graduate on Wednesday 1 July with the degree of Bachelor of Laws with English Law (Honours). Here she tells us more about her inspiration, her time at Aberdeen, and how a Robertson Trust Scholarship has helped her along the way.
“I originally applied to the University of Aberdeen based upon it having the best prospects for my course. When deciding which university I wanted to study at, I attended an offer holder day which allowed me to tour the campus and speak to students and lecturers and ultimately, I fell in love with the campus and the overall community at Aberdeen.
“One thing I love about studying in Aberdeen is the fact that you have all the amenities of a big city without being overwhelmed by it as it still holds that small town community feel. The campus itself is so beautiful, and I’m so grateful that I got to study in an environment like that. Being in walkable distance to the beach is a definite plus.
“During my time here, a highlight for me was achieving a first-class mark on my dissertation. I wrote my dissertation about the Scottish Law surrounding domestic abuse and achieving a high mark on such an important piece of work is a huge achievement of mine.
“Whilst studying I had the opportunity to travel to London on an academic trip with the Law School to have dinner at Lincoln’s Inn and receive a talk from practising barristers which was such an invaluable experience.
“One of the biggest challenges for me was when my Grandad passed away at the beginning of my third year. My Grandad was a huge motivation for me to study law and knowing that he wouldn't be here to see me achieve my degree was very hard. As a descendant of the Windrush generation I’m highly aware of all the unseen efforts and struggles that have allowed me to attend university, which is something I will always be eternally grateful for - and I hope that I’ve made my Grandad proud.
“The Robertson Trust Scholarship genuinely shaped my university experience. The financial support that they provided allowed me to fully focus on my studies without needing to worry about part-time work, but they also created a community for me while at university. While attending weekends away in the Lake District with them, I made lifelong friendships, and their Ambassador Programme means that whenever you feel a bit lost at university there’s always people to turn to.
“The Scholarship team are also amazing people who are always happy to help and support you. The Trust has not only provided me with financial support, but also support accessing internships to further my career, wellbeing training, volunteering opportunities, mentoring opportunities and my best friend Jo which are all things I will carry with me beyond my academic education. I truly believe that without The Robertson Trust Scholarship my university experience would have been very different and a lot more difficult.
“If I was to give advice to future students, it would be to utilise the services available at the University. In my fourth year I discovered the student learning service who were extremely helpful to me in improving my academic writing and I wish I had sought out that resource sooner. Also, while writing my dissertation, I was referred to the Library staff who were super helpful in gathering the resources that I needed. My main advice would be not to be scared to put yourself out there and speak to new people no matter what stage you’re in. It’s never too late to make new friends, whether you’re in first year or fourth year. I would also advise not to be too hard on yourself if things don’t go to plan - not every assignment is going to get an A and not every friendship is going to be lifelong and that’s okay. Everything will work out okay and you will end up exactly where you are meant to be.
“After graduation I plan to complete a postgraduate diploma in professional legal practice. I’m currently working as a legal executive at Ledingham Chalmers Solicitors which I will continue to do during my diploma until I start my traineeship with them in September 2027 to qualify as a solicitor.”
