Imposter they shout.
They know she didn’t get the same grades as them.
They remark with jealousy at her contextual offer.
Her parents say they’re proud.
But she knows they would rather she was earning a living,
Instead she juggles her unpaid placement, assignments and her part-time job
She tells herself it will be worth it one day –
But when is one day?
The negative thoughts storm through her mind, attacking the path that she has chosen.
But the university is beautiful – she should be happy
With its pretty red-brick buildings and its pretty polished libraries.
She sticks out like a sore thumb.
They say to reach out for help
But she feels inadequate
She should not need the help when everyone around her is thriving.
As time goes on she begins to adapt.
But not in the way you would expect.
She does not need to change to fit in with her peers.
Her identity appears clearer than before.
She is grounded in it like it is her anchor throughout this tumultuous journey.
She is a first-generation university student, and she is proud of it.
She credits herself for putting in the work to meet her contextual offer.
For believing she could do it when the others said she could not.
They ask her to return for careers talks, inspiring students who want to follow in her footsteps.
This is the next step, for her to show others they too can be the difference.
Accepting the mental challenges that come with social mobility.
We can be imposters together.
REF: W-17062025-01
First Generation Students UK: Mental Health Matters 