I always knew what I wanted to be. Even now, staying in a night shelter and studying in libraries, I'm working as hard as I can to get back to the job I love.
My father was a doctor and he inspired me. I couldn't go to university straight after school because he was unwell. After he passed away, I studied hard for the entrance exam for medicine. I got the highest score of any applicant that year. I completed my degree and worked as a doctor for 5 years in my home country.
Yet outside of the hospital, things were growing serious. Some political incidents with the government made me feel unsafe. I went to stay with a friend in a neighbouring country. I realised I couldn't return home. The government would arrest me and I was scared of being harmed. In April 2018, I arrived in the UK as a political refugee.
Though I'm fully qualified, I can't work as a doctor straight away. There is language training, professional exams, a whole verification process. This is difficult to achieve when you are homeless. Since moving to the shelter, I've been trying to study by myself. My English is improving fast but it's hard to do it all alone. I thought it would take me years. Everything seemed blocked.
Now finally with Beam, hope is coming. Taking these courses and tests means I'm able to register with the General Medical Council. I'm determined to complete this as soon as possible. When I'm back in work, I'd like to complete my speciality in dermatology. Thinking about my career is the biggest motivator in my life. I want to achieve my dreams.
For personal reasons Ruby has chosen to use a pseudonym rather than her real name.