When Mohammed arrived in the UK as a refugee from Sudan, he knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined to build a better future.
Mohammed said: “I worked in warehouses and security jobs, but I knew deep down that wasn’t the life I wanted. I’d started university back home but couldn’t finish, and I kept thinking that I need to get a degree.”
A friend told him about the Growth Company and he got in touch, completed some initial assessments, and enrolled on an Access to Higher Education course.
“It was tough,” he explained. “I was working and studying full-time, juggling assignments and long days. But the support I got made all the difference.
“The tutors were amazing. They understood my situation and supported me in every way and my classmates became like a family.”
Mohammed and his cohort became so close that when he got married his tutors and classmates even came to his wedding celebrate with him.
After completing the course, Mohammed stayed with us and enrolled on the BSc (Hons) in Business Management, alongside many of his classmates. It turned out to be the perfect fit and he graduated with first-class honours this year.
“I still can’t believe it,” he said. “I’m so proud.”
Graduation was a moment he will never forget. He added: “Having my wife and six-month old son beside me on graduation day made the moment even more powerful. Seeing the pride in my wife's eyes and holding my son close reminded me why I kept going, even when it was hard. They’ve always been my motivation and my greatest support.”
Now, Mohammed is taking time to enjoy his achievement, exploring ideas for starting his own business and considering a master’s degree in business law.
When asked what advice he would give to others, he said: “Just go for it. It’s not easy, but if you’ve got a goal and you’re in the right environment, you’ll get there.
“The Growth Company gave me that environment and I’d recommend it to anyone, especially people like me who’ve come to the UK and don’t know where to start.”
Access to Higher Education courses offer flexible learning opportunities for adults who are wishing to return to education, looking for a career change or don't have the required qualifications to be accepted on to a university course.
Explore our courses here: Higher Education
