Mastercard Foundation scholar Dorcas Falodun advocates for young carers in Nigeria

Can you introduce yourself and summarise your educational journey?

Hi, I'm Dorcas! A little bit about me – I’m very much a night owl. I do most things after dark, from reading and writing to exercising and eating, and I have a soft spot for the comforting smells of books and rain.

Before Cambridge, I studied Educational Management at the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. I always thought I'd be an accountant or economist as that's what everyone around me was doing. When I didn't get into accounting, I ended up in education and told myself I'd just try it for a year before switching back. But I fell in love with the field and found a fulfilment I hadn’t expected.

After my degree, I worked with a NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) serving children in marginalised communities. Working at a grassroots level showed me how inequality, poor policy, and weak systems left so much potential to waste. I had always planned to further my education, but this experience gave me clarity; I now knew I wanted to pursue educational policy and leadership at master's level.

How did you feel when you received your Cambridge offer?

Cambridge felt completely out of reach. There were so many stereotypes in my environment: that you needed a certain type of degree, to attend certain schools, and most importantly, to be very rich.

"Then I stumbled upon a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Cambridge on a random opportunity listings website, just weeks before the deadline. The Education Policy, Leadership and Improvement program was exactly what I'd been looking for."

I almost scrolled past it, but I asked myself, what did I have to lose? The worst that could happen was a ‘we regret to inform you…’ email. So, I submitted my application a day before the deadline with a 50-50 mindset. Imagine my shock when, one evening in late January, I got an email saying I'd been admitted! I cried. The funding decision didn't come until early April – the longest few months of my life. Admission didn't guarantee funding, so I was terrified. When the funding finally came through, I was elated. It’s a moment I’ll always cherish.

Can you describe your academic experience so far?

Being at Cambridge has simply been one of my best experiences so far. The teaching has been amazing. Although my program is newly added and my cohort is the first, the Faculty has been incredibly helpful. You can hardly tell it's a new program because of how seamlessly everything runs. I love the teaching methods and I have awesome classmates. I genuinely look forward to going to class most days.

"I especially appreciate the balance between autonomy and guidance. While I’m encouraged to think independently, the support from my supervisor and route co-ordinators has made the learning process feel reassuring rather than overwhelming."

What are you researching for your MPhil project and why is your topic or subject important?

For my project, I'm researching the educational experiences and needs of young carers in Nigeria. During my work as a Programme Manager, I came across a vulnerable group of children who had to care for ill or disabled parents or younger siblings. I realised this group had even more distinct needs than the average vulnerable child – needs that weren't recognized anywhere, neither in schools nor policies.

"Young carers are heavily under-researched in Nigeria, and I aim to bring more awareness to their existence through my work. After my programme, I plan to submit a policy brief to the Nigerian government based on my research findings."

Did you choose Wolfson and how have you found College life so far?

I didn't choose a College during my application, but I couldn't be gladder that I ended up at Wolfson. It's a place I've come to love – somewhere I can retreat to for peace and quiet after a busy day. Wolfson is one of the most social Colleges I know. It personifies work-life balance. There are so many activities both during and outside term time to keep you energised even as you navigate rigorous academic work.

"These activities are also a great way to meet people, which has been one of my highlights as an international student far from home. I have a family at Wolfson, and I don't feel alone."

What activities or events have you been involved in so far at Wolfson?

I volunteer with CB Mentoring and help with their Saturday School initiative, The Bridge, which is usually held in the Gatsby Room at Wolfson.

"The CB Mentoring programme provides educational opportunities, mentoring, and cultural activities for school-aged children in and around Cambridgeshire, helping them with homework, school reading, projects, and even language classes. Teaching is a passion I greatly enjoy, and volunteering is something I love to do, so joining the team felt natural."

I’ve also enjoyed taking part in Manifest Monday – a new Wolfson initiative where students meet for a free breakfast and the chance to set out their goals for the week with help from the library team and the Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator. It gives me the space to plan my week intentionally and connect with people who are supportive and encouraging. These activities have helped me feel more grounded.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with postgrad applicants or incoming students?

My biggest piece of advice to applicants is simply to go for it. Don’t disqualify yourself before you even apply. Put your best foot forward and take the chance on yourself; you never know when you’ll get a yes. And if you face rejection, don’t be afraid to try again. You only truly fail when you stop trying.

"During my first term, I struggled with imposter syndrome and often found myself wondering, ‘What am I even doing here?’ But I was reminded of something Dr Tabitha Mwangi, the Programme Director at the Mastercard Foundation, once said: ‘Nobody did you a favour. You are here because you earned it.’ That stayed with me."

So, to fellow scholars and international students, don’t let self-doubt stop you from fully embracing your Cambridge experience. Make the most of your time, ask for help when you need it, and prioritise building genuine connections. They'll stay with you long after you’ve left these walls.

Finally, what are you most looking forward to for the remainder of your MPhil programme?

I've greatly enjoyed the connections and networks I've built over the past few months – in my cohort, at the College, and with my church family. For the remainder of my program, I look forward to making even more.

Academically, I'm excited to dive into my research. As much as I know it won't be a walk in the park, I know I'll enjoy it because it's a topic that’s very dear to my heart. I don't have life after my MPhil completely mapped out yet, but I know that whatever I do, it will be as fulfilling and deeply satisfying as my time here at Cambridge.

This article is part of our 2025-6 Postgraduate Student Profile Series.

You can learn about The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and its drive to make inclusive and equitable socio-economic change in Africa.You can also discover more about our Wolfson Volunteers network, led by Wolfson's Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator.