When I was growing up my mother was diagnosed with a mental health illness and was not able to work anymore. As a consequence, I faced difficulties during my childhood from poverty to being separated from my brother and getting bullied in school. Against all odds, I wanted a better life for myself, so I studied hard and graduated top of my class from high school.
I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad and was overjoyed when I was accepted at one of the best universities in London to study teaching. I love working with children and am passionate about being able to help them from a young age.
As I’m not entitled to get a loan I have worked in any job I can find to sustain myself including being a cleaner, waitress and babysitter. It wasn’t easy because I didn’t know anyone here, and things also became more difficult when I got into a relationship that became abusive over time. I got pregnant unexpectedly which interrupted my studies and also made me dependent on my partner.
During our time together he became increasingly aggressive and abusive but I had nowhere to go. After my daughter was born, everything changed. I found out he was cheating on me and when I confronted him, it was the first time I have ever feared for my life. I packed our things and left. My daughter was only six months when we became homeless. We are now living in one room in a women's refuge and in order to pay the rent and bills I have started working part time as a nanny alongside being a full time student.
In the future, I hope to finish my degree and become a primary or early years teacher so I can be a role model for my daughter. I want her to know how loved she is, and when she looks at me to see that whatever happens, she will be able to overcome difficulties in life. I also want to give her the stability I didn't have growing up so she won't suffer as much as I did. I want her to know that no matter what your background is you can always fight to become the person you want to be.
I also hope I can spread that message to other children. I would love to be in a position to help them learn and develop whilst also motivating and supporting them. Above all I want to make sure they never feel alone. I hope in 5 years time I am able to look back from my teacher's desk and see how far I've come.
Beam is supporting Andreea into stable housing and also funding tutoring and exam fees for her English and Science GCSEs which she will need when applying for teaching jobs.