When 19-year-old Kawther Alzafery first joined City of Wolverhampton College, she was studying Entry Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths. At the time, she found it difficult to learn and communicate in English, but through determination and hard work she successfully passed the course and began to take steps towards her long-term goal of studying Medicine.
Kawther’s interest in science led her to study a BTEC, but she soon realised that she preferred exams to coursework. With only a Level 2 certificate, she chose the Access to A Levels programme as the perfect pathway and went on to achieve excellent GCSE results before progressing onto A Levels in chemistry, biology and maths. Reflecting on her journey, Kawther said:
“When I first joined the college, I was very shy and lacked confidence in speaking English. Over time, my confidence has grown significantly, and now I can express myself clearly and take part in discussions without fear. My tutors have always supported me, believed in me, and encouraged me to believe in myself — without their guidance I would not have achieved as much as I have.”
“I want to pursue a career in Medicine so that I can help people, make a difference in society, and contribute positively to healthcare. My next step is to go to university and begin that journey.”
“My message to others is to not be afraid to speak, even if your English is not perfect. The more you practise, the faster you will improve. Starting with Functional Skills is a great foundation, and with hard work and self-belief you can achieve your goals.”