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From Uber driver to university graduate
“If you think it’s impossible, I am proof that nothing is impossible,” said Abdullahi Abdi as he recounted the occasion when he tossed his mortarboard in the air after graduating from the University of Bristol last summer.
Although it may have been a few months ago, the memory is still fresh in his mind, as he dedicated his academic achievement to his brother, who was killed in a terror attack in his native Somalia shortly after graduating.
Abdullahi, who came to the UK to join his wife nearly 20 years ago with a limited grasp of the English language, dreamed of completing his studies and graduating from university.
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To support his family and his brother’s family back in Somalia, he took up work as an Uber driver and support worker during the pandemic.
Abdullahi delving deeply into his studies at the Arts and Social Science Library (ASSL) of the University of Bristol
Amid the pandemic, nearly 15 years after arriving in the UK, Abdullahi enrolled in a Foundation course in Arts and Social Sciences (CertHE), a one-year introductory course designed to prepare students for a Bachelor’s degree.
Applicants do not need any formal qualifications at the time of joining, as the course introduces students to a full range of skills essential for undergraduate study.
Abdullahi said: “I heard from a friend about a Foundation programme for people like me who haven’t been to school in many years, which sounded great.
“This seemed like the perfect opportunity to get back into it and realise my ambition as a mature student.”
After completing his foundation course, despite setbacks, Abdullahi went on to study for a degree in Social Policy at the university.
“I found the assignments tough, and meeting the deadlines on time was also a stretch. But my tutors were backing me all the way, as well as my wonderful wife, who always insisted she believed in me every time I complained about the assignment workloads,” he said.
He shared his thoughts at the launch of a report highlighting the challenges and opportunities for people from refugee backgrounds to access higher education.
The co-lead report author, professor Corinne Squire, chair in Global Inequalities at the University of Bristol, happened to be one of Abdullahi’s lecturers.
Professor Squire said: “I hope Abdullahi’s story is an inspiration to others who may be thinking they missed their chance or that the obstacles are simply too high.
“Many successful students come from refugee backgrounds, and Abdullahi’s remarkable achievement bears testimony to this.
“This is not just a story of one person’s success. Abdullahi also made time to give back during his degree by tutoring others from refugee backgrounds aiming to go to university.”
“If you think it’s impossible, I am proof that nothing is impossible,” said Abdullahi after graduating with a 2:1 from the University of Bristol
It has been revealed that currently, just 7 per cent of people from refugee backgrounds go to university globally, compared to 38-40 per cent of the general population. The United Nations high commissioner for Refugees has set a target of raising this to 15 per cent by 2030.
The report, funded by the University of Bristol Temple Quarter Engagement Fund, highlights how organisations, including universities, colleges, local authorities, and NGOs, as well as refugee communities, are providing vital support to refugees trying to access higher education amidst economic and immigration policy challenges.
Professor Palie Smart, associate pro vice-chancellor for Global Civic Engagement at the University of Bristol, said: “Abdullahi’s story is so humbling and such a credit to all his hard work and tenacity. It is especially heartening that despite facing many challenges himself, he still made time to help others in similar situations.”
Abdullahi, 46, who beat all odds to graduate with a 2:1, exhorts those who are thinking of taking a less-travelled path like his to embrace the challenge.
“If you think it’s impossible, I am proof that nothing is impossible. My family are all incredibly proud, and my brother would also have been thrilled because he really encouraged me,” he said.
“Even if things aren’t heading in the right direction or no matter what the barrier is, there’s always a way. There is tremendous support to call upon, so if you’re willing, I urge everyone to just go for it.”
All photos: University of Bristol
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