Ravi at his graduation

If you were contacted during our last Sussex Fund telephone campaign, you may have spoken to student caller Ravi Jaiswal. Ravi comes from India and studied for a masters degree in Governance, Development and Public Policy at the prestigious Institute of Development Studies at Sussex.

In common with some students, and through no fault of his own, last year Ravi found himself struggling to make ends meet financially. This in turn negatively impacted his mental health. Through the kindness and generosity of our alumni and supporter community, Ravi was able to get his life - and studies - back on track.

This is Ravi’s story.

“Reflecting on my past, I vividly recall the struggles of my mum and dad, who worked hard not only to feed, clothe and care for me and my siblings, but to ensure that we were educated with dignity. Despite having limited schooling themselves, my parents recognised the transformative power of education.

“Fast forward to February 2022, which is when I set my heart on studying for a masters outside of India. The financial challenge of doing so was monumental, and despite my best crowdfunding efforts I wasn’t able to raise as much money as I’d hoped. This meant that when I arrived at Sussex, my first concern was finding employment to top up my finances. Despite finding several part-time jobs, what I earned was still not enough for my needs. What is more, I found it really difficult balancing work with studying – there just didn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.”

Ravi’s mental health began to suffer as a result of his financial circumstances. This led him to the Student Life Centre at Sussex, where he was signposted to the various services that we provide for students in exactly his situation. He says:

“My inner strength was tested and shaken, prompting me to apply to the Student Hardship Fund. The timely support I received felt akin to finding water in a desert. The award not only alleviated my mental stress, it allowed me to refocus on my studies, significantly improving my academic achievements and restoring my self-confidence.”

Ravi continues:

“Who I am now is a testament to the values that have shaped my life’s journey; care, compassion and respect, not only for others but for myself. I feel compelled to tell my story, which is one that embodies the qualities of resilience, determination and the profound impact that giving to Sussex can have on an individual's life.

“I am overjoyed to share that I have now successfully completed my master's degree and secured a position at the Brighton and Hove City Council. As I embark on this new journey, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who give to the Sussex Fund. It is through your collective kindness that I not only survived, I thrived. Your support not only shaped my academic and professional journey, it fuelled my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world. I am proud to be an alumnus of the University of Sussex. Thank you for being the catalyst that transformed my life.”

We are extremely grateful to all who give to the Sussex Fund, without whom we simply wouldn’t be able to offer the range of services and facilities that support students who find themselves struggling and vulnerable. If you want to help other students like Ravi, you can make a gift here.