At St David’s College, we take immense pride in celebrating the achievements of our learners, and few stories embody resilience, determination and ambition as powerfully as that of Daniella Nakazzi.
Daniella joined St David’s after excelling at Willows High School in Cardiff. Her journey to this point has been remarkable. Having moved from Uganda in 2019, after a short time in Kenya – including a period in a refugee camp – Daniella carried with her an unshakable determination to pursue her dream of pursuing a career in Medicine. Watching her mother live with diabetes and seeing first-hand the importance of healthcare in her surroundings shaped her resolve to enter Medicine and make a difference in the lives of others.
From the very beginning of her time with us, Daniella demonstrated the qualities we most value at St David’s: resilience, academic focus, and a willingness to seize every opportunity. Through her studies, she engaged in enrichment experiences, including the Access to Bristol programme, university visits, and practical opportunities in Chemistry, which helped prepare her for the demands of medical school.
She also benefited from the tailored support of our dedicated team, including specialist guidance for aspiring medics, dentists and vets, led by Dr. Shuttleworth. Daniella herself has spoken openly about the encouragement she received when the challenges of applying for Medicine felt overwhelming:
“There was a point where I felt that I wasn’t going to apply anymore, but the mentors were there to give me the support I needed to continue and go forward.”
That combination of her own determination and the support of her tutors enabled her to secure a place to study Medicine at the University of Southampton – a truly life-changing opportunity.
In recognition of her hard work and potential, and to support her, Daniella has also been awarded the Brian Rees Fund bursary, managed by Community Foundation Wales.
The fund was created in memory of Mr Brian Rees OBE – surgeon, Wales rugby international and former High Sheriff of South Glamorgan – to support a Willows High School pupil with ambitions to study Medicine. Daniella will significantly benefit from this one-off scholarship, which will ease financial pressures and allow her to focus on her studies fully.
Daniella said: “I feel very blessed to have these opportunities, and I am very thankful to Community Foundation Wales for their role in supporting me on this journey. This support has made a life-changing difference, and I feel very fortunate to have benefited from such generosity and encouragement.”
We are incredibly proud of Daniella and the journey she has taken. As Olivia McLaren, Director of Learner Journey at St David’s College, put it:
“Her determination, resilience, and academic talent have shone since her initial application to the College. The opportunities that Daniella has had to attend Community Foundation Wales events and meet with supporters have made a transformative difference, and her success is a shining example of what is achieved when potential is nurtured and supported.”
For Daniella, the journey to this point has not been easy. Yet, her passion for Medicine – rooted in her life experiences and her desire to care for others – has driven her forward. She now embarks on the next stage of her journey, ready to take on the challenges of medical school and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Daniella’s story is a reminder of why we do what we do at St David’s: to provide opportunities, guidance, and encouragement so that every learner can realise their full potential. Her success demonstrates the difference that is made when resilience meets support, and when a learner sets ambitious goals.
We have no doubt Daniella will continue to inspire others with her story and her future career in Medicine. Llongyfarchiadau, Daniella – Congratulations from everyone at St David’s!