Testimonial #21

I am here after six years at Sussex largely thanks to the continued support of the student advisors. Leaving an alcoholic mother to attend university was hugely distressing for me as an under-grad and having a person whom i could visit for advice who knew me and my back story was vital. Now as a post-grad just finishing my part time masters (which has unfortunately taken 3 years to complete due to my mothers liver failure and liver transplant) this service is just as valuable. Having one specific contact is more important than i can convey. If i had had to explain over and over again the painful details of my mum's illness and my situation i might not have had the strength to complete my course but with the help of my advisor i was able to defer, seek counselling and achieve distinction grades. The brilliantly informed advice was obviously a huge help but mostly just having a caring ear was the most important thing. For students in the most difficult situations this caring human face can make all the difference between a pass grade or another failed degree statistic and a ruined life. Whether these things matter to the VC does not seem clear. Things like student well being do not seem to register that deeply however may i also add that the £15,000 that i have spent in fees at sussex would not be in the university bank account if this service had not been available, i simply would not have made it through. Maybe that will speak more loudly.