Education turns young woman’s life around

Maryam Rana

A young woman, who moved to England from Toronto, Canada, when she was 13-years-old, is celebrating after securing top college grades and a place at a top university.

Maryam Rana, now 20, who lives in Rochdale, was home schooled until she was 16-years-old. She then attended Hopwood Hall College and despite having no GCSEs had a strong desire to learn.

Miss Rana started on a BTEC in Business Retail and Administration Foundation Level at the College’s Middleton Campus and on successful completion of her first college vocational qualification she strived to get better and better and progressed through Level 2 Business and then onto a Level 3 Business Extended Diploma.

This summer Miss Rana opened her results to find out she had achieved a triple distinction in her Level 3 Business Studies and she has secured a place at Manchester University to study Middle Eastern Languages.

On this 4 year degree, Miss Rana will be taking two languages, Arabic and Turkish, learning them from scratch, as well as studying other related subjects such as history, linguistics, politics and religion. She’ll also be getting the wonderful opportunity to study abroad for a year.

Speaking about her years at the College, Miss Rana, said: “What I loved most about the course was definitely having such fantastic tutor support throughout the good and hard times. Also taking trips which supported what we learned in class and to help with assignments”.

Tutor, Jez Crook, added: “Maryam is a prime example of how education can turn somebody’s life around. She had to start from the very beginning due to having no GCSE’s when she came to the College, but she did have determination and good work ethics.

“Maryam was a very popular member in all her groups, due to her good communication skills and a great fun personality. A positive influence in the classroom, she took on the role of class representative and always got involved with any charitable events held at the College.

“She was a pleasure to teach, always open to feedback, which she utilised to achieve the highest grades possible. We wish her every success in the future.”