Face to face

Richard Oreffo is Founder and CSO of Renovos Biologics Limited and Emeritus Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at Southampton University. Following the murder of George Floyd and the global Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, Richard founded The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation. The foundation supports talented Black British students by providing fully funded scholarships, tackling inequality in higher education.

Teyanna Milsome studied criminology at Bath thanks to a Cowrie Scholarship. We met them both at graduation, where Teyanna celebrated a first-class degree surrounded by her loved ones. Through Cowrie, Teyanna gained experience in the legal sector and took part in panel events. She credits the scholarship for not only easing financial pressures, but for helping her feel empowered as a Black student at a top university.

Richard Oreffo: Congratulations, Tey. We are so proud of you. It’s gone in the blink of an eye. What has been the best part of your time here?

Teyanna Milsome: Probably moving away from home. I’m such a homebody and I was worried that I wouldn’t find my people, but I ended up meeting my best friends in my first-year accommodation. Making friends has been the most memorable part of Bath. I’m going to be sad to leave them. I barely recognise the person I was in my first year; I’ve grown exponentially.

RO: That’s what it’s all about. How would you say Bath has changed you?

TM: I sometimes find new situations overwhelming. Studying at a campus university suited me as I found it easy to get to know everyone. Being surrounded by people who saw potential in me and pushed me was great.
My lecturers were brilliant. They always encouraged me to go further, especially when they noticed I was inspired by something.

RO: If you could go back, what’s the one thing you would say to yourself?

TM: I’d love to go back and tell myself: it’s not as scary as you think. It’s all going to be okay. I was so nervous coming here, but there was nothing to worry about. It’s been the best three years of my life.

RO: Really, this is only the beginning for you. What’s next?

TM: I want to work in the charity sector. I’ve benefited from a very kind charity and I want to be able to give back. I’m not sure which area I want to focus on yet, but I’m going to try new things and see what fits.

RO: How are you going to keep in touch with fellow scholars within the Cowrie Foundation?

TM: We have group chats with alumni and scholars. It’s great to have that support network. We’ve made friends for life.
Lecturers and support staff at Bath have assured me that I can contact them whenever I need to. It’s reassuring to know that the support continues, even after graduating.

RO: It’s the most important thing – just talk to people, communicate, ask. People are often willing to share and help.

TM: Cowrie has helped me so much with that. Everybody is so friendly, open and welcoming. They want to help you achieve your dreams.
I’m an anxious person and I struggle to say yes to new things. Cowrie helped me work through my travel anxieties by hosting events, for example.
Without external motivation and support, I might have given up on myself. I ended up falling in love with university.

RO: That’s wonderful to hear. Seeing yourself and nine other Cowrie Scholars graduate this year after overcoming so many challenges has been one of my proudest moments since establishing The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation.

TM: It’s great to have a network of people – now friends – who are experiencing what it’s like to be Black at top universities. It was reassuring to compare experiences and help each other through any difficulties we faced.

RO: Community is key. I established The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation in 2020 to enable talented, economically disadvantaged Black students to attend UK universities. I believe access to university should not be limited by race or social class, but unfortunately, this is not always the case.
We all have a collective responsibility to make a positive difference for the society we want, and, through the foundation, I wanted to make a difference in creating an inclusive future through the power of education.
The financial aspect of a Cowrie Scholarship is important, but there’s so much more opportunity and support available – mentoring, events and fostering a sense of belonging.
Talent is everywhere. Opportunities are not. We want to allow people to shine.

TM: To future scholars, say yes to all the opportunities Cowrie has to offer. They’re always there to listen and give advice. Thank you!