AN OLD TOWN girl is one step closer to her dream of teaching youngsters – thanks to a life-changing university grant.

Misha Farhan, 18, was delighted when her three B grades at A-level last week secured her a place at Bath Spa University.

The former New College pupil will begin a three-year course in Primary Education in September, living away from home for the first time.

A £1,500-a-year grant from One Degree More is helping her to achieve her dream of becoming a primary school teacher.

“My nan is very ill and a lot of our family income goes towards her healthcare and keeping the house running,” said Misha, who has lived with her grandparents for the last three years.

She said of the grant: “I wouldn’t be able to go to university without it, because I wouldn’t have been able to support myself.

“It will just give me that extra support. It’ll make it a happier time.”

Misha can’t wait to start her course next month: “I’m so excited – but also a bit nervous. I’m looking forward to just being in a whole new environment, without my family with me.”

She hopes that her time at university will be the perfect preparation for life as a primary school teacher.

The Old Town teen has wanted to take on the career since she left her own primary school: “My teachers were so brilliant. They were really kind to me – they helped me a lot.”

She has spent the summer preparing for her future career, helping her young nieces and nephews.

Misha’s grant comes courtesy of the Wiltshire Community Foundation. The Devizes-based charity distributes cash to worthy causes across the county – and has its sights set on increasing the number of youngsters heading to university.

Rosemary Macdonald, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We support many young people who want to progress in their education and training, both through our vocational support programmes and through programmes like One Degree More which helps young people with the additional costs of going away to university.

“For young people like Misha, we know that without the extra assurance of some funding it could mean talented young people decide not to take up places at university, or even decide not to apply in the first place.

“This is a real issue for young people in Swindon right now, and we are doing what we can to make a difference and remove the additional barriers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds face when considering their futures.

“We know this will make Swindon a better place to live for everyone, and we would encourage businesses and individuals to get behind this campaign to make sure we help young people fulfil their potential.”