Nimra Ahmeed, a first-generation university student from Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, struggled when she made the move to higher education. She largely credits her mentor for providing important guidance through the journey. As the first in her family to go to university, Ahmeed encountered many difficulties. Without her mentor’s guidance she felt “lost.” T4A’s Natalie Maloney was instrumental in supporting her through this new process.
Ahmeed, who sports a green hijab and a nose ring, looks back on her unexpected path with simple appreciation. She acknowledges that Maloney played a pivotal role in demystifying university life, stating that her mentor “took away how daunting it is going into [university] without knowing anything about it.” Maloney, a 54-year-old solicitor, has volunteered for the Social Mobility Foundation, dedicating her time to help students like Ahmeed successfully transition into university life.
The mentoring relationship between Ahmeed and Maloney underscores the critical role that support systems play for students from historically underserved communities. Maloney’s dedication comes from her own experiences as an attorney. Now, for Grace as a young woman entering a male-dominated field, she encountered high barriers which made her commitment burn all the more. She discusses her role as a mentor, encouraging students to push past the societal barriers that stand in their way.
“That’s why I am so passionate to help others – I know what it’s like,” – Natalie Maloney
This is great news coming from the government! From this September onwards, a further half a million children will become eligible for free school meals. This plan is widely viewed by education advocates as a key step toward ensuring racial equity among students. Maloney thinks these programs are deeply important. They serve as an equalizer, providing a “level playing field” so that each and every student has a fair opportunity to thrive.
Sarah Atkinson, chief executive of the Inclusion Charity, welcomed this significant rise in eligibility and its possible impact. She stated that more students qualifying for free school meals would mean “these places would be in even greater demand.” Recent government data indicates a troubling trend: the gap between students eligible for free school meals and those who are not has widened. This inequity is a symptom of larger systemic barriers to access to higher education.
Maloney’s dedication to mentoring extends far beyond tending to his students’ academic needs, by addressing their personal lives as well. She helps students navigate the complexities of university life, ensuring they feel equipped to face challenges. This focused one-on-one support is critical for first-generation students who often do not have family experience with higher education.
“The most incredible gift we can give people is our time and attention, and this scheme allows you to do that,” – Sarah Atkinson
As Ahmeed and Maloney’s relationship shows, mentorship is a powerful tool to help students on their educational pathways. For Ahmeed, the experience was greatly amplified by having Maloney as a guide. The support she received allowed her to focus on her studies and explore new opportunities without the anxiety of feeling out of place.
Maloney’s work goes beyond providing academic support. She works to enact inclusive policies that help underrepresented students succeed in higher education. Her background in the legal profession informed her perspective on the hurdles that countless aspiring students encounter. That realization is what motivates her to be a change agent through mentorship.
