October 2024
Sefena's Story
By Sefena Iqbal
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Sefena Iqbal
Seizing opportunity from difficulty
A period of adversity convinced mature student Sefena to take the plunge back into education after she was made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I realised it was a pivotal moment in my life – it was now or never to pursue my dreams”, she said.
She knew she needed a course that would allow her to build on existing strengths and experience while learning new skills: “The balance of practical learning and academic study offered at University College Birmingham allowed me to develop my knowledge base, while the the affiliation with University of Warwick reassured me of the programme's quality.”
Sefena quickly re-adjusted to life in full-time education, and feels the transition was made easier by the support of those around her.
“I formed lifelong friendships with the close-knit student cohort and dedicated lecturers. Kick-Start helped me stay focused on my studies by easing the financial burden, and HIRED even helped me secure a role with the Commonwealth Games”, she enthused.
Now that she has graduated, Sefena is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead: “Returning to education has been a big step, but University College Birmingham has given me the tools, opportunities, and confidence to turn my passion into a career.”