UWTSD is part of new campaign showcasing the transformative power of higher education

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is part of an Universities Wales campaign calling on people to share how university has changed their life.  Launched today, Transforming Lives will share inspiring stories of university graduates whose lives have been profoundly shaped by their educational journey. The campaign aims to celebrate the transformative power of higher education.

Studying at university can be among the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of a person’s life, with benefits to skills development, knowledge building, forming new friendships, and living independently. A degree from a UK university also continues to give a significant boost to salary, employment levels and a graduate’s career prospects throughout life.

However, behind the statistics are real people whose lives have changed for the better as a result of going to university. And it’s these people that Universities Wales want to put centre stage, sharing stories of graduates who have overcome challenges, discovered their passions, and emerged with the confidence to achieve their potential. 

Two of UWTSD’s alumnae are featured as part of the campaign:  Rebecca Davies and Elisha Hughes who both studied at Swansea College of Art.

Rebecca’s story

Rebecca, a first-generation higher education student, graduated from University of Wales Trinity Saint David with an MDes in Surface Pattern & Textiles. Through the university she secured a paid internship with Rolls-Royce as part of the company’s exclusive design team, which ultimately led to her current role of Bespoke Designer at the company. Rebecca credits university for enabling her to pursue a creative career.

“University exposed me to a wide range of different opportunities that completely changed my career trajectory”.

Elisha’s Story

Elisha Hughes is a Fine Art graduate who now works within the University’s Widening Access team where she uses her creative skills to inspire others to consider higher education. Elisha is an advocate for building partnerships with local communities to effect positive change. As part of UWTSD’s Widening Access team she is keen to develop links with organisations and business to offer more opportunities to those communities. 

“Going to university provided me with opportunities that I would have never imagined. I was able to learn at another level, improve my skillset and alongside this it changed my life. I am passionate that university can be absolutely for anyone. A pathway was created the moment I started my degree and I will continue chasing my ambitions wherever that will now take me.”

Professor Paul Boyle, Chair of Universities Wales, explains why the campaign is so important:

“Wales is facing significant participation challenges, with fewer Welsh 18-year-olds choosing to apply to university than at any point in the past decade. Independent analysis projects that Wales will need 400,000 additional graduates by 2035, and yet there is a real possibility that we will have cohorts of young people less well-qualified than their immediate predecessors.

“It is therefore more important than ever that we celebrate the many benefits – both personal and professional – that university can offer to individuals.

“The decision to pursue higher education is more than an academic choice; it is a life-altering path that opens doors, broadens horizons, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.

“The Transforming Lives campaign gives us a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of these inspirational individuals and we hope that, in turn, people will be motivated to share their own stories of how university has transformed their lives.”

Join the campaign

Universities Wales is inviting graduates, students, and anyone who has experienced the transformative power of higher education to join the campaign.

Share your personal journey, your triumphs, and the moments that shaped you. Maybe you never thought you’d go to university, or perhaps your life went in an entirely unexpected direction because of your time at university and the opportunities it offered. It may be through the connections you made, the encouragement you had, the subjects you studied, or the career doors that were opened for you. Share your story here.

Notes

• People can submit their stories via Universities Wales online form.
• Further Transforming Lives case studies can be found their website from Tuesday 26 March, and below.
• High-resolution images and additional campaign details are available upon request.
• Universities Wales is a membership body representing the interests of Wales’ nine universities. We develop higher education policy, deliver political and stakeholder engagement, and campaign on issues where our members have a shared interest. www.uniswales.ac.uk

Further Information

Eleri Beynon

Head of Corporate Communications and PR  
Corporate Communications and PR  
Email:  eleri.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk  
Phone: 07968 249335