My dream is to set up my own foundation to support others. I think God put me through what he put me through so I can help others in a similar situation to me, and just give back to those who need it most.
I’ve experienced a lot of abuse, even since childhood. And on top of all that, moving to the UK has been difficult, especially with regards to my immigration status. I’ve had to pay a large amount for immigration fees, and I feel like I have so much to offer the UK but I had to go through the rigmarole of proving that the training I did back home was good enough to be recognised here. I had to prove my worth in order to be granted citizenship here, and overall I’ve been made to feel really unwelcome. I’ve worked as a teacher for over 15 years, even teaching abroad. But when I came here I had to sit GCSEs with my own students, even though back home I had the equivalent to 25 GCSEs. It’s been a difficult journey, but I’m trying to continue as best I can. I recently moved into a new property and I’m slowly adding furniture to it. Before that, I lived in a hotel for two years in a two metre by two metre room. I’m grateful to finally have my own space, and I’m starting to feel more confident.
I’d love to find work as a Support Worker. Especially having been through what I went through, I’ve always been a giver and that part of me hasn’t changed. I've helped other women in the refuge I stayed in, whether that was teaching them English, helping them move into a new place or helping them complete forms. It makes me feel so valued and gives me a sense of purpose. I have so much love inside of me and I want to use my time to give to others. That's why I was a teacher for 17 years! I've changed students' lives - and that is worth so much more than anything. It's so rewarding. I'm not impressed by materialistic things, I'm impressed by kindness.
My long-term goal is to become a life coach. I'd love to get training and become fully-qualified to that I can share valuable insights that I've learnt with other vulnerable people.