Big ambitions

A postwoman’s daughter from Nottingham has graduated university with flying colours with the help of the University bursary from the Post Office Orphans Benevolent Institution (POOBI).

Ellie Gray studied history at the University of Lincoln, graduating with a 2:1 BA Hons degree in September. Her mum, Emily (pictured, left), has worked as a postwoman for eight years in Beeston, Nottingham.

‘We were all so proud of Ellie for getting into university, but worried about the level of debt involved,’ she said. ‘I was not in a position to pay for lots of things for Ellie as I only work part-time and depend on overtime for anything beyond basic living expenses.

‘When I saw that POOBI offers grants for university students I was so happy.’

The POOBI bursary covered Ellie’s student loan and accommodation, as well as helping with the purchase of course material and books.

‘On top of that, the bursary also allowed me to travel to see my family,’ said Ellie, who worked part-time in a local shop in the summer holidays to afford to go out with friends in term time. ‘I was also able to join a gym and gained a love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle.’

Ellie, who has big ambitions for the future, is currently doing a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course, with plans to teach in South Korea. She has also applied to do a Master’s degree in literature, once back from her travels.

‘I want to do a year-long course to become a teacher,’ she said. Emily added: ‘I will be eternally grateful to POOBI for having helped Ellie in this way.’

Learn more about POOBI by clicking here.