I joined Leeds Trinity University in September 2018 as a student on the Supporting Learning and Additional Needs programme after a colleague at the primary school I worked at recommended it to me. After meeting my programme coordinator on my first day at Leeds Trinity, I knew that I had made the right decision. I was overcome with excitement at the endless opportunities and possibilities my journey could lead me to. My goal at the time was to become a teacher and by the time I had completed my second year, I had successfully qualified as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and was promoted at work from teaching assistant to HLTA. 

I had always dreamed of achieving a degree, however, I was faced with cultural barriers which prevented me from following my dreams. I had achieved well at school and yearned to continue my education. However, patriarchal and cultural influences in my community meant I had to get married young, but the aspiration for education never left me. After the birth of my son, this desire became stronger as I was now his role model. I wanted him to see me as an empowered and strong woman who overcame barriers and smashed ceilings and I was determined to break the cycle and narrative that I’ve seen constrain many South Asian women intergenerationally, so I did just that. I went on to become the first female graduate in my family and, after working tirelessly to change archaic mindsets, I now know that I won’t be the last. 

At Leeds Trinity, I was able to find my voice. I was given the freedom to express myself through my work and turn my trials into triumph. Once I had completed my foundation degree, I went on to Level 6 Professional Practice: Supporting Children, Young People and Families where I was able to write about what I was passionate about – the barriers South Asian women face in education and racial economic inequalities in society. I received outstanding distinctions for my work and was awarded the Institute of Childhood and Education prize for outstanding academic performance. The research I undertook for my dissertation sparked my interest in social psychology which is when I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology. My goal now is to become an educational psychologist to help others who face barriers to education. 

Doing a work-based degree gave me the flexibility to study around parenting and employment and the support I received from the University’s Learning Hub and my tutors was invaluable to my success. Everyone at Leeds Trinity was so supportive and understanding of my work and family commitments, and the campus was everything I had envisioned and more. The critical peer support groups I joined at Leeds Trinity have allowed me to expand my levels of perception through debates, discussions and networking and I have made friends for life. Studying here has built my confidence, self-esteem and motivation to excel in life. My time at Leeds Trinity has been life-changing and the making of me. I found my freedom and power in education and I will always be grateful to my tutors for encouraging, supporting and pushing me to be the best I can be. I have now become a Peer Support Champion in the Learning Hub in order to use my knowledge and experience to help other students in higher education and give back to the university that allowed me to achieve my dreams.  I look forward to continuing my journey on the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) this year and elevating my perspectives, ideas and strategies to inspire the next generation of South Asian women and students. 

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

Find out more about our foundation degree and professional practice programmes on the Leeds Trinity University website.