Hi, my name is Nick, and I am 18 years old. I would like to take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to volunteer with ICS - a partially funded government programme - building and renovating schools and homes, creating and implementing techniques to mitigate the effects of climate change and tackling gender inequalities in countries such as Nigeria in Africa, to Bangladesh in Asia. But to me, this opportunity will be much more than simply exploring another culture, it will be in memory of my father, who always pushed me to do something beyond what I thought I was capable of. So, without further ado, I will tell you my story. Just over 6 years ago, my best friend passed away, the greatest man I had ever known. My father.

I felt as if whole world has disintegrated in front of my own eyes, without build up. Just one morning when me and my mother woke up to bloodcurdling screams in the adjacent room, then a week later, he was snatched from our lives. For many years, I struggled at school, not to learn the material, but to concentrate around the other children who had their parents in their lives. Honestly, I did envy them. But I have now learnt the lesson that we all have our struggles and problems, and we should not try to compare them, as we all perceive things differently. Therefore, in my GCSEs I received average results, in comparison to my cohort. At this point, the prospect of going to a top university was off the cards. Nonetheless I am very grateful that this happened, since it motivated me to work harder during my A Level studies, and to prove to my parent(s), teachers, and of course myself, that I am capable to reaching success and exceeding expectations. This led on to the two most stressful years of my life, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone as I learnt to scuba dive, and became a qualified pianist, reaching diploma level last year...

Whilst also continuously reading and studying. All to reach a goal, one which was not quite yet set in stone, but one which my dad said to me just before he died. He told me that, during his A Levels, he dropped Geography and that was the worst decision he could have made. So I vowed to myself that I would do well in that subject (since it is my favourite), to make him proud. On results day 2018, I opened an envelope which showed that I had attained 2 A*s in Geography and Psychology, and an A in Music, and so I decided to take a gap year. Whilst working at my local public house, I made the decision to apply to the University of Oxford, after being inspired at an open day in mid September. I sat the entrance exams required for the course I intended to study - BA Geography - and was invited to Interview in late November. The two interviews, one in physical and the latter in human geography, were extremely enjoyable experiences, and it gave me the opportunity to sit in front of professionals in their fields of research, and convey my interest and experience in the subject I intend to study. After a what-felt-like-eternal wait, on the 10th of January 2018, I opened an envelope which explained that I had received an offer to study Geography at my college of first choice, Brasenose College.

Words cannot begin to express my excitement to begin the course, but the idea of volunteering in the mean time really does interest me. I would love to share my experiences, and make a difference in the world - effectively leaving my own “stamp” on the globe. Positively impacting the societies which are most marginalised. I have already raised almost £5,000 from a part time job and hosting a weekly quiz for the local community, and would be so grateful if you could help with the final funds. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, and I would be honoured if you would help me reach this opportunity.