Receiving bursary support at school provided me with a first-class education and the academic foundation to secure an unconditional offer to study law at Edinburgh. Beyond grades, my time at independent school instilled in me the confidence to engage with authority and communicate with people from all walks of life. It was an experience that shaped my identity and gave me the tools to navigate the professional world – though the transition to university was still a challenge.
Despite my strong academic background, university proved to be a significant adjustment. Without the family connections or mentoring support that many of my peers had, I initially struggled to find my place. The academic bar was set high, and I found myself working harder to meet expectations. However, I persevered, discovering resilience along the way. An Erasmus exchange in Rome was a turning point, boosting my confidence and reinforcing my ability to adapt and thrive in new environments. Though I faced setbacks, like missing out on a postgraduate law opportunity in the U.S., I learned to embrace rejection as part of growth.
When it came to securing my legal traineeship, confidence played a key role. I was successful in my first-round interview and landed a position in a highly competitive market. My ability to push myself beyond my comfort zone, honed through my bursary-supported education, helped me stand out. I had previously arranged an internship in the U.S. with the Federal Public Defenders Office, a self-driven initiative that strengthened my application.
Looking back, I would tell my younger self to seize the bursary opportunity without hesitation. It was a gift that not only opened doors to professional success but also lifelong friendships. The support I received enabled me to build a network of friends who have stood by me through marriages, divorces, parenthood, illness, and loss. Despite living in different places, we remain close, bound by shared experiences and the values instilled in us during our school years.
To this day, my school experience continues to shape my life. I take immense pride in being an MES alumna, carrying with me a love of learning, a broad intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to giving back. The friendships I formed were diverse in background, grounding me in an appreciation for different perspectives. My passion for reading, ignited by rigorous academic expectations, led me to establish book club that continue to thrive decades later. My love for history, nurtured by inspiring teachers, remains an active part of my personal and intellectual life.
Beyond my career as a lawyer, I have taken on roles as a journalist, BBC producer, trainer, and coach. I have worked alongside CEOs and CFOs, fearlessly advocating for causes I believe in, Â whether campaigning to keep Sure Start centres open or writing to organisations to demand better practices. The confidence and skills I developed through my education have empowered me to challenge authority and make a meaningful impact in my community.
The bursary did more than provide financial assistance; it laid the foundation for a lifetime of opportunity, growth and contribution. It gave me access to an education that broadened my world and empowered me to shape my future. Supporting bursaries isn’t just about helping a student through school,  it’s about transforming lives, opening doors, and creating ripples that extend far beyond the classroom.
If you would like to find out more about giving children like Ros the opportunity to come to ESMS, please get in touch on development@esms.org.uk or call 0131 311 1131 or visit our Support Us page for more information.
