By Freya Gray
*Note from Editor: 21st November 2024 marked Young Carers Rights Day. There are at least 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, but the real number is likely to be far higher due to so many carers being unidentified. We believe that it's important that they get the recognition that they deserve. Here are Freya's reflections on life as a Young Carer while attending University of Oxford...
Growing up as a young carer, in a sometimes challenging environment, meant that any time away from home was a treat. It was respite, and it was a chance to stop caring. I relaxed. As a young teenager, I couldn’t wait to apply to university and properly leave home. However, as I got older and things improved, I realised that going to university would have a profound impact on my family. Questions of who would step in to support the person I care for and if it was unfair to place more strain on my other caring family members haunted me. Essentially, I didn’t want to be seen as selfish.
Overarching all of this was the undeniable fact that I loved learning and absorbing information; I didn’t want to regret not going. Once I started college, prompted by the support of family members and teachers, I began researching universities and stumbled on so many opportunities. Many outreach days or residential application forms would ask if I was a young carer, and I found that many universities, including Oxford, were more likely to give me a place and reimburse my travel too when I ticked that box. Ticking that box, including on the actual UCAS application, will not have any impact on how your application is judged. Young carers are now on the UCAS Equality of Opportunity Risk Register, so universities are actively trying to make the application process more accessible for us. Make use of this – there are so many fantastic opportunities out there to give you a flavour of uni life!
As I am now in my last few weeks at home before I go, I am excited and nervous. I have been looking at how I can continue to help my family from a distance by continuing admin online and scheduling regular check-ins. I know my family support me in going, and I am excited to update them on my new student life, just like any other fresher. It will be a big change for me, but I know the skills that I have gained as a carer will help. Carers have a wealth of skills – we are very organised, manage our time with military precision and are great communicators. Don’t forget to brag about these on your personal statement!
If you are a young carer, speak to local carer’s services, and make sure you go through your university plans in your transition assessment. Support will be put in place, because this role should not hold you back: it’s not selfish to put your education first. Oxford has shorter terms and more financial support than many other universities which makes it more accessible for carers.
And remember, you are not being selfish. You haven’t stopped caring: you are just caring about yourself and your own interests as well.
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