Dreaon McDonald Simms

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BSU student receives scholarship for academic excellence and positive impact on his community

Tuesday, 21 January, 2025

A BSU student has joined a group of 143 young people from Southwark who have received a scholarship towards their university fees. 

BA International Relations and Politics student Dreaon McDonald Simms is among the recipients of the Southwark Scholarship. The scheme began in 2011 to help young people from underprivileged backgrounds pursue higher education. Successful applicants must demonstrate how they give back to the local community and have a good record of academic achievement. 

Talking about what inspired him to apply, Dreaon said:  

“I applied for a Southwark Scholarship because paying off tuition fees by my own strength was nothing short of a dream to me. When I was told about the opportunity, I knew I had to apply. Without it, university life would have been extremely difficult.” 

Dreaon joined Bath Spa University through Clearing. “As soon as classes began, I knew I made the right decision coming here,” he said. 

He continued: 

“I love the freedom that my course gives me to do further research into any field of politics or international relations that my heart desires. I think the lectures give me a strong springboard that propels me into deeper study of my own interests within the field.” 

Dreaon was previously deputy leader and then leader of Southwark Youth Parliament and remains involved in his church community back home. In addition to his studies, Dreaon says his faith inspires him to be his best self and gives him a sense of purpose, identity and passion. 

He added:  

“When I found out I had been [awarded the scholarship] I was overjoyed. I could not have done it without my parents, my extended family, and my church community. This scholarship allows me to use my degree and the experiences I will gain to feed back into the communities that have really helped to order my steps into the positive path I am on now.” 

Dreaon also had some words of advice for other young people who might want to follow in his footsteps: 

“I would say that your goals for success should always be greater than you. If your goal is your own benefit and your own prosperity, then you will not get very far. There should always be something bigger than you within your journey; a final mission or final goal that benefits others more than it benefits you.” 

Bath Spa University also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help students make the most of their time at university, and can help with funding for studies, trips, projects and future careers.