Law student Faryaal Aziz has been recognised as an outstanding contributor to social mobility at the inaugural Student Social Mobility Awards hosted by Baroness Helena Kennedy in the House of Lords on December 13.

Faryaal, 19, who is in her second year studying Law at the University of Warwick, was one of four Warwick students whose personal commitment to tackling social mobility and encouraging young people from less advantaged backgrounds to overcome barriers to education and employment, was recognised at the inaugural Student Social Mobility Awards.

The Student Social Mobility Awards were organised by upReach, supported by the Social Mobility Commission, to showcase the achievements of students and 2018 graduates from less advantaged backgrounds.

Faryaal is the first of her family to attend university. She first secured experience at a Big Four firm at the age of sixteen and is grateful to social mobility initiatives like the Sutton Trust, upReach and Pathways to Law for helping her to excel. She is now a student scholar on the Warwick Scholars programme and alongside her studies she champions social mobility, and works to boost other students’ confidence and encourage them to access the many opportunities that are available.

Faryaal said: “For me, receiving this award means that both my socio-economic background and pre-university institutions do not define me and my future prospects. With the help of social mobility initiatives like the Sutton Trust and UpReach, I have greatly excelled, in my academic and professional life.

“This is why I champion social mobility, and actively work to boost students’ confidence and access to the many social mobility opportunities that are available. You can come from a low socio-economic background, be ambitious and determined, and do very well.

“I have participated in opportunities like Pathways to Law and UpReach and as a result, I have gained an understanding of the industry I am interested in. This exposure has become the basis of my understanding of the legal world of work and I have used this along with invaluable support offered by social mobility programmes to achieve even more.

“I want students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds to know that there are abundant opportunities available to them, and almost all will prove to be invaluable. This award means that my background hasn’t, in any way, limited my drive and resilience to surpass all barriers and obstacles to achieving success.”

Commenting on her path to university, Faryaal said: “During my two years at Sixth Form I took part in Pathways to Law with the University of Warwick. The help and support I received from Warwick did not stop once Pathways ended – it continued throughout my first year and is still present in my second year. I know I can go to my Pathways Co-ordinator and have a chat about my studies or any university-related concerns, while the Warwick Scholars programme organises practical and useful events throughout the academic year.

“These included workshops to develop soft skills, plus networking events in the Shard to build your professional network and communication skills. These events are highly beneficial for students on the programme, who are from an array of backgrounds, to develop their existing skills and gain a better understanding of the opportunities and career pathways that are open to them.

“Warwick University supports academically talented students from low income and poorly represented ethnic groups, by offering them a financial scholarship, guidance and career support. The success of all students at Warwick is continually emphasised and demonstrated through such scholarships and widening participation programmes/events.”

Professor Chris Hughes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), said: “Congratulations to Faryaal on her award. The Student Social Mobility Awards are a wonderful celebration of four outstanding Warwick students who have come to this university from under-represented backgrounds – and who are doing a magnificent job helping others to follow in their footsteps.

“We are delighted to partner with upReach as part of our commitment to supporting our students to aim high and to thrive in their chosen careers.”

Read the University article: https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/warwick_students_recognised 

NOTES

upReach helps young people to achieve their career potential by providing an intensive, personalised programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment.

Its comprehensive programme is delivered in person and online, with upReach ‘Associates’ (undergraduates participating in the programmes) gaining access to activities including skills workshops, mentoring, insight events, application support and professional work experience.

Photo: Faryaal, right, pictured with her award and two other Warwick winners.