Student who overcame meningitis graduates with first from UWE Bristol

A student who suffered with meningitis as a child and experienced bullying while growing up has graduated from her law degree at UWE Bristol with a first.  

Natasha Dines, 22 from Bridgwater, was just six months old when she contracted the condition leaving her with 80% skin grafts and as a triple amputee resulting in no lower legs and no right hand. Her right arm however is still functional, and she can walk freely on her upper legs.  
 

Natasha experienced both bullying and discrimination before arriving at university, saying: “School was a deeply unhappy experience for me. I seemed to attract attention when it came to ridicule, but when I needed help, I felt completely overlooked. Secondary school remains the darkest chapter of my life. I had little support and few, if any, genuine friendships.” 

Natasha applied through UCAS for a place on the BA(Hons) Business and Events Managementcourse at UWE Bristol and was accepted. On her experience of the course, she said: “My foundation year was the best year as I made amazing friends, explored my interests, discovered if university was for me and found my purpose.’’ 
 
However, being family-oriented, coupled with her strong ambition to help others and her enjoyment of the law module during her Business Management course, led her to switch courses to study Law. 
 
Natasha said: "I realised I wanted a career focused around helping people and that gave me a sense of purpose. It wasn’t until I took a law module that I found something that truly fascinated me. I considered switching, but as I was already halfway through the year, I decided to stay, achieved a high 2:1, received brilliant feedback that I still cherish today and then transferred to law at the end of the year.” 

 
Whilst at UWE Bristol, Natasha got involved in several communities including the Law Society and Bristol Law School and took part in multiple extra-curricular activities including volunteering by speaking on panels, speaking in a lecture hall about her life as a student, and providing campus tours as student ambassador for the university. She said: “My proudest achievement at UWE was helping with their open days and taster days, being able to show potential students wanting to come to university around the campus.  
 
“Also, seeing some students with disabilities who were nervous approach me and being able to reassure them and their parents by sharing my story and thoughts that if they want it bad enough, they have to chase it.” 

During her time at UWE Bristol, Natasha was able to find excellent support from fellow peers and staff. The Disability Students’ Allowances (DSA) team and her advisers were especially supportive. Natasha said: “They were on hand to help her with concerns or questions on anything from timetable and attendance issues to disability issues, money and travel to specific staff at the university.” 
 
Praising the support from the note-taker who helped her in lessons, Natasha said: “Alexa Deane is the best women I’ve ever met and forever my favourite, she’s been my absolute staple, and I could not have achieved this without her. 
 
“Rachel Wood and Emma Whewell are also two lecturers who have been extremely helpful and supportive and made me feel very special. Knowing I wanted to pursue family law, Emma, who is a family law lecturer, showed belief in me and encouraged me to choose family and clinic in my final year.” 

Natasha’s family were very supportive during her time at university. She continued: “They have done so much for me, my mum and nan encouraged me and never let me give up. My nan took me to university for the last four years and I am eternally grateful for them for their help and support.” 
 
On what graduating means, she said: “It is proof that I actually did it [university] and that it is a massive achievement not only for myself but for my family - my mum studied nursing at UWE Bristol, so UWE means a lot. But also, to everyone who doubted me, showing them I’m not just the girl in the wheelchair - I have a brain, a purpose and plan to help as many people and families as I can.” 
 
Natasha shared advice for young disabled people, saying: “No matter what disability you have it doesn’t matter, if you want this, then go for it and don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t to. I promise you if you put your mind to it, you’ll surprise everyone, including yourself.” 
 

Natasha’s ambition and drive to build on her education and successes have secured her multiple offers from other universities to do a Master of Law course. She has also secured further work experience for her Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) at a criminal law firm in Highbridge, Somerset and is awaiting a decision for a 30-month apprenticeship at a law firm.