Reflections on Scholarships
WHAT DOES BEING AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP MEAN TO YOU?
Elizabeth Shanks
Peter Taylor Scholarship:
“Being awarded the Peter Taylor Scholarship is genuinely life-changing. It represents a huge vote of confidence in my abilities and propensity to become a successful advocate. The scholarship has removed the financial barriers in going to the Bar, making my entry to the profession, as someone from a non-traditional background, possible. Having attended the recent Scholarships Reception, I already feel a huge sense of belonging to The Inner Temple community.”
Fidel Bonnah
Exhibition Scholarship:
“Words that come to mind include: proud, capable and confident. Coming from a lower socioeconomic background and being brought up in a council house often equates to being seen as not worthy or incapable. However, being awarded a scholarship from The Inner Temple highlights that hard work and perseverance can overcome such stereotypes. The Inner Temple has believed in my potential to become a brilliant advocate. Their investment means that I can focus on studying and becoming the best version of myself.”
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Daniel Cullen
Major Scholarship:
“I found the application process very well structured, with a clear and specific timeline at every stage. The application process really focused my mind on the crucial question: why do you want to be a barrister? Writing my application prompted me to reflect on all of my past experiences to consider how they had led me to the Bar. Some influences were already clear in my mind, but others were less obvious, and this process really clarified how deeply rooted my desire to be a barrister was. They had a real interest in what I had to say.”
Fidel Bonnah
Exhibition Scholarship:
“My experience of the application process was a positive one. Prior to applying, I had the opportunity to ask various questions about the scholarship and the process through an open event, which was incredibly helpful. This interaction made me realise that there are no ‘silly questions’ when it comes to seeking clarification. In terms of the application itself, it was straightforward and user-friendly. Overall, the support and accessibility throughout the process made it a positive experience.”
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEW?
Elizabeth Shanks
Peter Taylor Scholarship:
“The scholarship interview was such a positive experience. I was very nervous but was put at ease by everyone I chatted with at the Inn (including the chefs!). The barristers who interviewed me were very friendly and approachable, which I think allowed me to give my best performance!”
Sylvia Cullen
Major Scholarship:
“I really enjoyed myself! The panel seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say and I left the room with an increased feeling of determination and inspiration about the Bar as a career path.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OF FUTURE CANDIDATES?
Daniel Cullen
Major Scholarship:
“If you are considering applying but doubting yourself: apply. I would strongly advise you not to rule yourself out. Prior to applying, I think I really underestimated my chances of success. The Inn organises a number of webinars throughout the application period, which I would definitely recommend attending. I found these webinars incredibly helpful, both to ask questions about the process and what to expect, and to keep reflecting on my application prior to the interview.”
