Meet the Stirling Uni graduate who defied the odds

The Herald Scotland

2 days ago

Millicent Wenlock, who graduated last week from Stirling University with a degree in environmental science, is one of these students.
Wenlock explains: 'I grew up in the Midlands. Soon after results day in 2020, I found out my family didn't want me to go to university. It escalated to the point where I didn't feel safe so I had to cut contact with my parents and become estranged from my siblings.'
Wenlock went to Stirling University. (Image: NQ) Wenlock first moved to Dundee, before beginning studies at Stirling University.
At this point in the narrative, she pauses, before continuing.
'This is where things went downhill. I ended up homeless and had to move up to Aberdeen. I felt so frustrated because there were so many added challenges I had to overcome as an estranged student.
'The university didn't care, because as long as rents were high, they were making money.'
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Wenlock decided to go public with her story several years ago, and has since advocated for care experienced students in Parliament and across the UK.
She says: 'When I tell people about my background, I get a very mixed reaction. Some people say I'm inspirational but don't actually listen to what I'm saying. They want photos but don't want to provide support.
'Some people definitely care about the care-experienced community, but unfortunately some people don't care at all.'
Asked what universities and the Scottish government should be doing to care for estranged students such as herself, Wenlock said greater housing support needs to be provided.
She notes: 'It is incredibly difficult to find a guarantor. The housing shortage is amplified by the fact that you can't rely on a guarantee from your family. There are awful systems in place.
'When I moved to Aberdeen, I had to fork out £5,000 in advance just for them to take me. It is such an uphill battle.
Reflecting on her journey, Wenlock says she would not have managed to make it through if not for a strong community of people with similar experiences to her.
'I don't think I would have finished,' she says. 'Community is so important, as is mental health.
'Even so, I felt so isolated at times because the community can be so disconnected and it felt like so few of us went to the university.'
Now, as she begins her journey outside of the classroom, Wenlock says she will continue to advocate for the rights of students like herself.
'I love campaigning,' she says, her smile evident even over the phone. 'I draw so much joy and purpose from my activism. It makes me happy.'