In October 2024,three gifted students had their lives transformed as recipients of Bedford Society Scholarships thanks to the generous support of Bedfordians (alumni and former staff of Bedford College). As these scholars near the completion of their studies, three of them spoke to us about the impact of the scholarship and their aspirations for the future.

Amritha Bharathan, M.A. Victorian Literature, Art and Culture (pictured left)

I am a grateful recipient of this prestigious scholarship. It has significantly enhanced my academic performance while providing me with an enriching experience at Royal Holloway. Without the stress of meeting financial expenditures, I have been able to give my full attention to my academic work.

My studies have been fruitful and rewarding. I have engaged thoroughly with my assessments and developed a good rapport with my professors. Along the way, my course has made me realise my interest in postcolonial theory and its related aspects. Therefore, I am currently working on my dissertation that applies this theory to analyse colonial environments.

Apart from academics, I have been able to volunteer my time for different causes. I was a tutor at the ESOL department at RHUL, teaching English to refugees. I also volunteered at the Community Research Hub to improve conditions for the youth and senior citizens in Egham. I am also a volunteer at Egham’s Pride Hub. These experiences have greatly benefited me and broadened my perspective.

After completing my studies, I plan to pursue a PhD in postcolonial literature and become a professor in the field. I would love to enlighten young minds to think critically, just as my professors at RHUL encouraged me to.

Once again, I am incredibly thankful to have been chosen for the Bedford Society Scholarship, which has immensely elevated my educational journey.

Ryan Goel, MSc Social Work (pictured middle)

I am writing to sincerely thank you for awarding me this scholarship during my MSc in Social Work at Royal Holloway. Your generous support has made a significant difference in my academic journey, both practically and personally.

Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to focus wholeheartedly on my studies without the constant stress of financial constraints. It eased the burden of managing living expenses in London while balancing my coursework, placement commitments, and part-time work. This financial relief allowed me to engage more deeply with the course, build meaningful connections in the field, and make the most of every opportunity offered by the programme.

Throughout the year, I gained hands-on experience through my placements, which greatly shaped my understanding of real-world social work practice. I developed practical skills, emotional resilience, and a clearer sense of purpose in the profession. The scholarship helped

make all this possible by giving me the freedom to learn, grow, and contribute to the community without compromise.

More than just financial aid, the scholarship felt like a vote of confidence in my potential—and that encouragement meant a lot to me. I am truly grateful for this support and will carry the impact of this opportunity forward as I continue to grow professionally and personally.

Once again, thank you for believing in me. It has been a fulfilling year, and I remain deeply appreciative of the role you played in helping me through it.

Dilay Tetik, MSc Clinical Psychology (pictured right)

I am writing this letter to express my sincerest gratitude for the Bedford Society scholarship that I was awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Thanks to your generous help, I have been able to continue my studies without having to worry about the financial aspect of pursuing my educational goals. The scholarship has allowed me to fully enjoy my time at Royal Holloway, from being able to participate in society events to visiting many of the historic landmarks in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, with this scholarship, I was able to attend clinical psychology-related workshops and enrol in a cognitive behavioural therapy training program, which has helped me immensely to develop my abilities as a future psychotherapist.

I am grateful for the education that I have received at Royal Holloway, University of London, as it has allowed me to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in my education. This year, I was able to take courses focused on neuroscience and forensic psychology, alongside my clinical psychology courses, and it has widened my perspective on what I would like to continue with in the future. Currently, I am writing my thesis on the relationship between future-related cognitions and self-esteem, and it has been a tough yet rewarding road.

Despite encountering the usual difficulties in doing research, I have learned a lot and feel that it has helped me to prepare for my future in doing post-graduate studies. Royal Holloway has helped me to become sure of my plans, which involve both sides of clinical psychology: therapy and research. After this year, I would like to gain practical experience and work in the field for a year while I am writing a proposal to apply to a PhD program.

I would like to thank you again for selecting me to be a recipient of this scholarship. I am grateful for being recognized by the Bedford Society, and I feel honoured to be a part of your legacy. It has been an amazing journey, and this year would not have been as academically and emotionally fulfilling if it hadn’t been for your generous support.

To read more about supporting Bedford Scholarships please visit Supporting Bedford Society Scholarships.