I chose to do the Foundation degree in Supporting Learning and Additional Needs after I became a teaching assistant and wanted to upskill in my career. A friend at the primary school I worked at recommended the course to me and spoke highly of Leeds Trinity University. I visited the campus and immediately knew that this was the place for me to continue my journey in education. The staff are friendly and motivating and the University’s commitment towards diversity and inclusion makes me proud to be a student here.

At first, it was daunting returning to education as an adult and a mother. I thought I would be the oldest person in the room but when I attended my first lecture I saw a room full of people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities. This gave me the confidence boost I needed to fully immerse myself in the experience and enjoy the journey knowing there was no prejudice or judgement. The lecturers were insightful, friendly, inspirational, and extremely helpful, they introduced me to the learning hub where I was able to access support not only for my studies but also my wellbeing and personal circumstances.

When I first started, I wasn’t sure what my end goal was, however the variety of modules I completed, allowed me to tap into what I found interesting and what I am good at. I was able to write about social inequalities and that’s when I found my passion. I came from a background where injustice was rife, every time I explored this in my work, I felt like I started healing and after completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in supporting children, young people and families, I felt like I was in a place where I can start using the skills and knowledge I had acquired to help other victims of social injustice.

In 2021, I won the Institute of Childhood and Education award for outstanding academic achievement which gave me the confidence I needed to go on to postgraduate education. I decided to do a master's in psychology as a way of understanding the behavioural mechanisms behind social inequalities which then led me to develop a programme aimed at reducing them. I am now doing a PhD to test my programme scientifically and hopefully introduce it in schools to reduce the impact of social inequalities on disadvantaged families. My ultimate goal is to have my work published, recognised and utilised to promote community cohesion and elevate the lives of disadvantaged families by breaking the intergenerational cycle of deprivation.

My advice to others thinking about returning to education is that it’s never too late to follow and fulfil your dreams and ambitions. I am glad I started my journey in education when I did because now I have the added perk of being an inspirational role model to my son who has been my motivation all along. Leeds Trinity University recognises individual circumstances and supports its students to achieve their goals around their work and family commitments, this has been invaluable to me. It has allowed me to achieve my goals despite the many barriers I have faced.

You will never regret being educated, it is the one thing that no one can ever take away from you, it is the one thing that can change your life and the lives of those around you.

Saira Mirza graduated with a degree in Professional Practice: Supporting Children, Young People and Families in July 2021 and is currently a PhD student.

Find out more about our Foundation degrees and Professional Practice programmes at our Open Evening on Wednesday 7 June.