Care leaver hopes to inspire others as she graduates with master’s degree
A care leaver who achieved her dream to study a master’s degree has graduated from the University of Salford today.
Stephanie Gray is graduating with a Merit from our MA Documentary Production for Film, TV and Digital Media course bringing an end to her higher education studies that also included an undergraduate degree in Film Production at Salford.
The 22-year-old from Rotherham was placed in the foster care system at the age of six and was permanently in authority care until she was 18-year-old, when she passionately pursued a University degree to help achieve her dream of working in the film industry.
As she completes her studies, Stephanie is sharing her story to encourage other care leavers to consider higher education as only 14 per cent of those who in care go on to higher education, compared with 47 per cent of other children.
She said: “I would encourage all who grow up in care to consider going to university. I came from a very abusive and horrible background but I got to do my degree and then did a master’s.
“It’s true that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for everyone and I know that for some care leavers, they do not care or want to get involved in education. University isn’t for everyone. But from speaking to other former foster kids, I know that if they heard more from other care leavers about the opportunities for them after leaving care, I believe it could really inspire them.
“Foster carers also have a role to play in putting higher education and apprenticeships as an option for care leavers. If they were involved more in that decision-making process, then it could really make an impact and inspire them.”
Stephanie says that she ‘knew it was going to be difficult’ for her to attend University but she was supported by her foster parents to be able to attend open days and work out the best place for her to study.
She independently put her UCAS application together by herself but was shocked when her parents were given little guidance on how to support her interest in higher education.
Stephanie added: “My foster parents went to a seminar that was run for those who had children about to leave care. They didn’t know what to tell them if that child wanted to go to university which was really scary to hear.
“I didn’t let that stop me though as I worked it all out by myself and put in my applications. There was nothing stopping me at that point!”
Stephanie elected for the University of Salford due to its presence at MediaCity and the number of production companies based at the complex.
A keen storyteller, her experience at Salford over the years led to a keen interest in documentary filmmaking and after completing her undergraduate, was inspired to apply for the MA Documentary Production course where she could learn to make documentaries that could have a societal impact.
Her final project was an autobiographical documentary that charted her experience of the care system, from birth to growing up within foster care, complete with interviews from her mother, brother and foster parents.
She added: “I want to be able to make films and get them out in any way I can. I’m really inspired to tell stories about those who have overcome ridiculous odds and hope to make this as series in time.”
The University of Salford offers a range of support for students that are care experienced. This includes financial support via our Care Experienced Bursary and guaranteed work as a student ambassador, accommodation support that includes access to year-round accommodation contracts, accommodation scholarships and assistance with guarantors, as well as emotional support through 1-1 meetings with our team and group events with other students.