After studying at such a prestigious institution over a quarter of a century ago, I should naturally be a senior civil servant, policy advisor, professor, or foreign correspondent by now.
By rights, I ought to be repaying those blessed opportunities by helping the disadvantaged next generation by endowing a scholarship from my vast estate. At the very least, I ought to be making a monthly donation to part-fund the library.
But I am a bad alumni. I didn’t secure a role in an international organisation, or in government and diplomacy. I didn’t go into the legal profession or business and consultancy.
In truth, I failed. My university education did not benefit me. It didn’t open doors. That’s my fault, not theirs, for I didn’t have the cognitive ability nor natural drive to pursue that world.
That’s not to say it would not benefit others. So if I can make a contribution, I will. Just know that it won’t be by hundreds of thousands of pounds. Hopefully, your more successful alumni will help you out there.
Last modified: 8 April 2025
