What a bursary meant to me Coming from a low-income, single parent household, I never would have dreamed of a place like Abingdon, but it was my reality for seven wonderful years thanks to the bursary programme. This school provided me with a world of opportunities as a boy, and looking back as an adult, the doors that were opened for me are more clear than ever. The sheer number of options that Abingdon allows students to explore led me to hobbies like rock climbing, water polo, and theatre. My education gave me the tools to thrive at a liberal arts college in the USA, where I got my Bachelors’ in English Literature, and was then able to adapt my skills to a job in accounting. The confidence that the bursary programme gave me meant that I was able to focus wholeheartedly on making the most of my time at Abingdon without ever having doubts over my place in the school. Some favourite memories include my German exchange trip to Bielefeld, and leading the football 4th XI to a series of victories on pitches ranging from the immaculate Tilsley Park to Lower Field, affectionately known as ‘The Swamp’. I am incredibly thankful, both for the teachers and staff at Abingdon, and for the community of donors who made this possible for me and other boys like me. John-Christian (JC) Davey (OA 2017) JC is now enjoying life as an accountant based in New York My bursary place gave me the opportunity to study at Abingdon for my entire secondary school period. Its history and character meant that the School always felt welcoming and friendly throughout my years. The sense of community, whether within the houses, the tutor groups, classes, or in the many clubs available, created places where I made lasting friendships. I was taught by teachers who had a love for their subject and cared for their students. Abingdon’s Other Half offered me the time and space to try almost anything, whether arts, sports or general interests, and has made me positive, well-rounded and excited to challenge myself in new ways as an adult. Most importantly, the school helped nurture my talents and passions into something that will last a lifetime – especially music. Despite the financial background I had, the support and opportunities I was given by the Music Department were one of a kind and this is what I feel I am most thankful for in terms of what Abingdon provided. As a music scholar I was given free lessons to continue my violin studies and I performed in chamber groups and recitals as well as touring to the USA and Spain with the First Orchestra. I found my interest in computing at A Level and, with the guidance of my teachers, I felt confident in pursuing it further at the University of Sheffield where I received an MEng in Digital Electronics. I’m truly grateful for the bursary I received and fully believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today if not for Abingdon and the generosity of those who made it possible. David Chung (OA 2016) David is a hardware engineer living in Glasgow
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