Taylor Swift generously steps in to save ‘dedicated’ student’s dream of going to university
Taylor Swift. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)
Taylor Swift has once again set the standard for humanity by donating more than £23,000 to fund a student “dream” degree after she was denied student loan funding.
Vitoria Mario left her loved ones in Portugal behind for Britain four years ago, determined to take on a degree in mathematics.
But the joy she felt over receiving an unconditional offer for a four-year course at Warwick University quickly turned into panic when she found out she was ineligible for government-issued for maintenance loans or grants.
In a GoFundMe page set up for donations to cover her fees, the A* student was stunned on Thursday evening (August 20) when she saw a donation for £23,373 under Swift’s name.
Taylor Swift donates thumping sum to star student’s university college crowdfund.
With the donation, the Folklore singer wrote: “Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality.
“I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor.”
A former pupil at Brampton Manor Academy, an east London comprehensive, Vitoria took to Twitter to confirm the donation and her delight.
“Of course, I have to thank Taylor Swift for donating more than £23k towards my campaign,” she wrote.
Of course I have to thank @taylorswift13 for donating more than £23k towards my campaign♥️♥️ I wouldn't have reached my target so quickly if it wasn't for you❣️❣️ May God bless you abundantly
— Vitoria (@vitoriamariox) August 20, 2020
“I wouldn’t have reached my target so quickly if it wasn’t for you. May God bless you abundantly.”
Vitoria lives in the north London neighbourhood of Tottenham. Her mother lives in Portugal, while her father passed away.
“Moving away from her was a challenge but it was a sacrifice worth being made in my family’s eyes,” Vitoria said. Teaching herself English, she went onto be awarded two A*s and an A in her A-levels, qualifications that determine university placement in Britain.
But discord was sowed when she found out she would not receive funding. Her mother lacked the finances to support her or to pay for her accommodation, textbooks and laptop.
“Though my story is not unique,” Vitoria wrote, “my dream of becoming a mathematician is not only a chance at social mobility for my family and I, but to inspire people who have been in similar positions to aspire to be the best version of themselves and strive for their dreams despite gender/racial inequality, immigration issues and financial barriers”.
