Stephen Thomas, 2020/21 Kolade Scholar

MSc Finance and Investment

Dear Mr Kolade, My name is Stephen Thomas and earlier this year, I was delighted to learn that I was a recipient of the the 2020/21 Kolade Scholarship which will enable me to undertake my MSc in Finance and Investment at Exeter.

Having grown up in care I always believed that hard work in education would be the best route to be successful. I studied my undergraduate degree in Business Management at Cardiff University and thanks to your support I am now able to continue my education at postgraduate level. I am writing to thank you for your generous, financial support towards my education. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to study a course that I truly have a passion for.

Following my post graduate degree, I hope to pursue a career as an analyst for an asset management firm or investment bank, then once having gained more experience, move into private equity. One of my personal future aspirations is to create a programme for children in care to understand the importance of managing finance, education and how they can invest in their future. As a care leaver myself, I truly understand the personal difficulties that might restrict a child in care to obtaining both financial and academic freedom.

Your generosity is allowing me to make my goals and dreams a reality. I hope that one day I can give back and help other students from a disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their goals.

I look forward to keeping you updated on my progress.

Sincerely,

Stephen Thomas