Oxford Masters: My Life changing opportunity

Hello! My name is Tyler Kelly. I am 23 years old, I love musical soundtracks, the colour yellow and I have a passion for digging up the past. I am here to ask if you will kindly support me in a fantastic opportunity given to me to study at the University of Oxford.

I have been offered a placement there, on a Masters course in ‘Archaeological Sciences’, this October 2024, a privilege that is typically given to only 8 people per year.

Let me tell you a bit more about myself and why I need your support. I come from a very ordinary background where both my parents nurtured a love of learning. I am the first person in my immediate family to have attended university and the first person in my extended family to be offered a place in an Oxbridge university. Midway through my undergraduate studies I became unwell and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. At times, admittedly it was hard to continue, especially as the physical aspect of archaeology could be so daunting with my condition. Yet I have worked so hard to get here, taking every opportunity that came my way! I participated in voluntary conferences, courses, projects, and lab work to fill all my time with opportunities, expanding my confidence and passion. With having submitted the highest marked dissertation of my cohort, I graduated with a First Class degree in ‘Classical Archaeology & Ancient History’. I was further honoured to give the sole graduation speech, and was delighted to have been invited to present my dissertation at the ICI2023 conference, and even won a national award for my dissertation from the Roman Archaeology Society!

Throughout my undergraduate years I worked to pay my living expenses and, since graduating, I have continued to work and save as much as I can, as I have always known I wanted to pursue further studies in this field. I am so proud of what I have achieved so far, I fought hard to get to this point and it is wonderful to know that such a prestigious institution as the University of Oxford has recognised me for my academic merit, my efforts, and believes me a worthy enough candidate to join them.

As I have already graduated, I know I have the marks I need, the only thing standing in my way is the tuition fee, £18,250. I am doing everything in my power to raise the money, applying for scholarships, SFE, saving as hard as I can. Where any financial assistance comes in, such as scholarships, loans etc., I will be updating the target to reflect these changes in my financial situation, but it is unlikely I will be able to raise such a large amount of money in the time I have without your help.

If you have the means, I would be so grateful for any amount you can give. My aim is to repay your kindness after I complete my Masters, perhaps with an environmental project or by mentoring other young students to give them the chance to pursue their dreams.

Thank you for reading this far and many, many thanks in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Very best wishes

T J Kelly