A Birmingham sixth form student who refused to let adversity define him has won a scholarship to university after inspiring judges with his resilience, ambition and drive to make a difference through social change.
Sonny Carter, who received his A-level results yesterday, lost his nan – his carer since he was 12 – his mother, his uncle and his grandfather all in the space of five years and endured many difficult family circumstances throughout his childhood and teenage years.
However, the 19-year-old persevered to become head boy at University College Birmingham’s sixth form and, yesterday, achieved grades B, C and D in his A-levels, securing him a place on the University’s business management degree AND a scholarship that will literally change his life.
Open to those living in areas of economic and social hardship in Birmingham and who may have discounted going to university due to financial pressures, the Employers’ Scholarships include a full tuition fee waiver and fully funded accommodation.
He will also receive a dedicated living bursary, a £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance, with no repayment, and up to £800 a year in Kick-Start funding.
Sonny, who burst into tears when he heard the news, said: “I can’t believe it. It’s amazing, it will mean so much.
“Grief cannot define me. Life experience does not define me, but rather how I utilise opportunities.”
“I’d maybe like to do an MBA one day, but I definitely want to make real change.”
Scholarship judges recognised that despite Sonny’s experiences, he remained focused on his education, took on leadership roles, began sixth form at UCB, embraced opportunities including the Turing Scheme – complete with a visit to Singapore – and got involved with the Guild of Students.
Alongside his studies, Sonny has also juggled a part-time job at Greggs, where he has just been promoted to shift manager.
His long-term goal is to build a social enterprise centred on business consultancy, giving back to the community while supporting wider economic growth. He also hopes to one day deliver a TED Talk focused on personal growth, global citizenship and the importance of global interdependence.
If that wasn’t enough, Sonny volunteers with charity Birmingham PHAB Camps, who organise amazing adventure weeks away throughout the UK for children from Birmingham, with the express purpose of integrating disabled and non-disabled children. Sonny works closely with charity chairman, Andrew Miles, on plans to develop this involvement further in the future.
He has also played an active role in the University College Birmingham community, contributing to student wellbeing discussions as a Guild member, attending board of studies meetings and representing the sixth form to parents and external guests through public speaking opportunities.
Losing 17kg in the past year, he is now also focused on his physical wellbeing and being part of the University badminton team.
Now ‘mum’ to Sonny, Poppy Wagstaffe, who took over Sonny’s nan’s caring role when she passed away, said she was so proud of him.
“I’ve known him since he was 12 and it’s been very tough for him,” said Poppy, whose husband is Sonny’s cousin. “But he is super resilient and this year, has committed to his health and his career.
“I’m so happy for him, he’s going to do big things.”
