Help Sashaunna Get To The University of Leeds

I am Sashaunna Lamb, a sixth-form graduate of DeCarteret College in Manchester, Jamaica. Recently, I was admitted to the University of Leeds and multiple universities in the UK, US, and Jamaica such as Howard University, the University of Manchester, and the University of South Florida to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and finance.

On May 17th, I received a conditional offer to the University of Leeds, England. However, with a tuition of £24,000, in addition to £9,207 to demonstrate my ability to support myself financially in the United Kingdom, I had initially opted out of taking up that offer. On June 7th, I received news that I was shortlisted to receive the prestigious Dean’s Business School International Excellence Scholarship, which covers 50% of my tuition, based on attaining at least three grade ones in my double unit CAPE examinations. This scholarship is only awarded to fifty students from an application cohort of over 9000, making it the most prestigious and most sought after scholarship offered by the institution.

I am particularly interested in economics and finance and their applications in developing countries such as those in the Caribbean. Upon completing my degree, I am desirous of contributing to Jamaica’s economic and financial sectors through politics and work with organizations involved in economic and financial development. As such, I believe that this acceptance and scholarship to the University of Leeds is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I cannot afford to miss.

My academic and leadership experience is a testament to my passion and interest in finance and economics, along with politics and development. I
have received twelve grade ones and two grade twos across both my CSEC and CAPE Unit 1 examinations, with five grade ones coming in my CAPE Unit 1 subjects. After August, this number will rise to 20 CSEC and CAPE subjects. I was the top girl and most outstanding performer for the previous year and have maintained a sixth-form average of over 90%. Not only do I excel academically, but I also perform well externally. I placed first in the Caribbean for Financial Services Studies (Unit 1) last year and have occupied multiple places on the CSEC and CAPE territorial merit lists, such as ranking fifth in the country for Information Technology (Unit 1) and in the top 25 for Management of Business (Unit 1).

My involvement is not only limited to academics but also extends to participation in extracurricular activities. I have served as a sixth-form prefect in my school community, the founder of my school’s yearbook committee, the leader of my school’s twinning program, and a senior executive of my school’s debating society, as well as a member of its debating team.

Not only is the University of Leeds my most affordable option, but their course outline surpasses that of all other universities I have been accepted to. It takes into account important and current topics such as international banking and finance, financial derivatives, auditing and assurance, as well as statistics and econometrics. The course also grants students the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research and complete a dissertation. This makes the university most applicable to the role I hope to take on upon graduation.

Therefore I am seeking your assistance in raising £21,207 - which converts to US$27,226 - for my tertiary education, as the university does not permit a deferment on the scholarship. My initial tuition amount is £24,000, however, with a 50% scholarship which comes in the form of a reduced tuition balance, this will fall to £12,000. The British High Commission (UK embassy) also requires that in addition to the tuition amount, prospective students will have to show £9,207 to prove that they are able to maintain themselves in the United Kingdom once their course is outside of London. This £9,207 will encompass accommodation, book and maintenance fees. This total comes up to £21,207.

Unfortunately, my family is unable to pay the fees associated with a Leeds education. Therefore, we are seeking sponsors to aid us financially at this vital time. We would be greatly appreciative if you would be ever so willing to invest in my education and supply us with a donation or sponsorship of any amount. I promise that helping me will be worthwhile and will not only be an investment in my future, but Jamaica’s as well.