A teen from one of the most deprived areas in Glasgow has landed a place at two of her dream universities in America and wants to encourage more working class young people to aim high.
Rachel Macrae, 17, had always longed to study in the USA and was overjoyed when her hard work paid off and she received offers from multiple universities to study forensic science.
She can now decide between Pace University in New York and University of Tampa in Florida.
She said: “I’ve always had a rough list of my top universities and my first two acceptances are two of the universities which where definitely on that list.
“New York and Florida are both places which are filled with opportunities for after my studies, if I decide I would like to pursue my career there.”
The Lochend Community High School pupil from Easterhouse said many people from backgrounds similar to hers feel they are limited in what they can achieve.
Rachel said young people can feel “disheartened” by the judgement many receive about the school they attend and said she is determined to change perceptions.
She said: “I want to prove to myself and other young people from the east end that no matter how much things cost, or no matter your family circumstances or where you come from, you can still achieve your dreams.
“Easterhouse is of course an extremely deprived area in Scotland, and there’s not many people who think they’re able to pursue such a big thing.
“People who also come from schools in these deprived areas are usually disheartened by how other people perceive them and their school.
“Lochend is perceived as a bad school by a lot of people but it’s actually a really great school, which gives students so much support in whatever they want to pursue further on in their lives, and there’s always further support if you need it.
“I would say that pursuing what you really want to do is very important and you shouldn’t have to feel discouraged because of the area you live or the school you go to.”
As well as economic barriers, Rachel’s chosen field of forensic science is still very underrepresented by women.
She said: “STEM subjects are very male dominated areas, so I would also like to help encourage other women interested in STEM subjects to push forward with their goals.”
Rachel said studying across the Atlantic has been a dream since she was a child.
“Studying in America has been something I’ve been talking about since I was very young,” she said.
“I’ve always loved the idea of being able to be independent, and going over to America would certainly help me become more and more independent as I go on.”
She added: “The courses for forensic science in America are exactly what I’ve been searching for the whole time I’ve been looking into my career, so that especially really pushed me to pursue my dream of studying there.”
Rachel said the application process was daunting and intimidating but her teachers supported her every step of the way.
She said: “The mental block you face when applying to these universities I think is the most challenging thing.
“The application process can be very confusing and intimidating, and the exam you sit before applying can also be very intimidating, as it feels as though your future relies on one exam.
“That’s not actually the case but trying to get past the block of thinking about the thousands of others applying for the same position as you who may have got better results is the most challenging part to get past.
“I’m extremely grateful for my school and all the support I’ve been given up until this point in my journey.”
She added: “I would hope people can realise from this that you don’t need to come from big fancy areas of the country to be able to pursue a dream such as studying abroad.
“I think it’s so important that people aren’t discouraged from achieving their dreams just because of their background.”
Rachel started a Go Fund Me page to help towards the hefty tuition fees of her course.
She said: “Everyone has been so helpful and I couldn’t be more thankful for it.”
One supporter said: “I love hearing stories like this and hope you will achieve your dream in going to America your family must be real proud of you.”
Another added: “I am so inspired by your kindness and determination. Good luck I hope you achieve your goal.”
You can view the Go Fund Me page here.
