Learner stories: Negar’s journey – overcoming adversity to reach for the skies

Negar Rezaei is currently studying Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, having begun her educational journey in the UK as a refugee. After overcoming numerous challenges, she went on to complete a Level 3 Travel and Tourism qualification at Burnley College, achieving a Distinction* grade.

We spoke with the 19-year-old  to hear more about her inspiring journey, the obstacles she’s overcome, and how she plans to fulfil her dream of helping others reach their destinations by becoming a pilot.

Q: Negar, can you tell us about your journey to the UK?

A: “When I was about 13, my family and I had to leave Iran due to political unrest and persecution. It was a difficult and dangerous journey, and it’s where I feel my childhood ended – I had to grow up fast. It took us around six months to reach Germany, but unfortunately, our asylum case wasn’t accepted there. We eventually made our way to the UK in 2020.

“When we arrived in England, I had to step up and take responsibility because I knew the most English in my family. We initially stayed in refugee accommodation in Manchester for a few months before moving to a house in Nelson (in Lancashire), where we were finally able to settle down.

“All in all, it took two years for our asylum case to be granted. I was in my first year of college when we finally got asylum, and it was the best day of my life.”

Q: How did you restart your education once you were in England?

A: “Getting a place in a school was difficult, especially during the pandemic. I knew I needed to get my GCSEs to progress onto college, but no schools were accepting my sister or me.

“I remember being really stressed, sitting at our dining table and ringing schools every day. My mum and I even went in person to visit some schools and ask for a place in Year 11, but they kept rejecting us. I finally broke down and started crying at one school, and the receptionist saw how tired and upset I was. She gave me her number and promised to help, which she did. She got me a place in Year 10, and I was given an extra year to prepare for my GCSEs.

“When I first started school, I was really happy and got to know some lovely people – and even though everything was brand new and took a bit of getting used to, I feel that my experience of moving from country to country had prepared me to be able to adapt to new situations fairly quickly.”

Q: What challenges did you face while sitting your GCSEs?

A: “The first challenge I had to overcome was that I was placed in the lowest sets initially, and this was difficult as I felt I had to prove myself. Back home, I was capable and received higher education. However, within a few weeks, the school saw my potential and moved me up.

“My next challenge was the hardest one yet. At the end of Year 10, I was told that I couldn't continue into Year 11 and would have to leave for college due to the fact I’d turned 16 already. This meant I'd have to sit all of my GCSE papers within a week with little notice. In that moment, I broke down as I was already dealing with the loss of my grandpa and other issues at home, so I wasn’t prepared for the exams.

“I had to sit my papers in a corridor, with people walking by – but I did my best. Thankfully, I managed to pass maths and science first time. I didn’t pass English, though, so I had to re-sit that in college.”

Q: Did you face any similar challenges when you started college?

A: “When I started college, again I was automatically placed in Level 1 due to my GCSE results, even though I knew I was capable of more. This happens a lot with immigrant children – we aren’t heard enough.

“However, I completed all of my assignments quickly, and after resitting my English and getting a better result, I requested to move up to Level 3. It wasn’t easy, but I pushed for it, and in the end, I got into Level 3, which was the best thing ever. Without that, I wouldn’t be at university today!”

Q: What made you choose Travel and Tourism as a college course?

A: “At first, I didn’t know what to study, especially as I didn’t have much time between leaving school and starting college – but I’ve always had a passion for piloting, and I knew I had my maths and physics GCSEs to hand too.

“I was therefore advised to do Travel and Tourism, and thankfully I found it really interesting. I enjoyed so many of the units of the qualification, learning about exciting topics including aviation, business, marketing, hospitality and cabin crew – all of the many aspects of travel. Aviation was definitely my favourite!

“I loved how the qualification was so hands on when it came to learning; when they initially showed me around the classrooms within the college, I was interested in the breadth of what it would involve. I’m proud to say I went on to achieve a Distinction* in Travel and Tourism this past August.”

Q: What are your career aspirations and what path will you take to get there?

A: “I’m now studying aerospace engineering at Sheffield Hallam University. I’ve already had some group tasks, and I really enjoyed them. Aerospace is such an interesting subject, and I’m excited for the future.

“My ultimate goal is to become a pilot. I think this came naturally after unintentionally travelling so much as part of my own journey. I soon realised that I would like to have this big and helpful role in society, where I’m helping individuals with the next step on their own journeys – no matter what this looks like, or where they’re coming from or going to.

“However, the cost of training to become a pilot is a barrier for me. That’s why I’m learning the technical side first, and I’m hoping to get a scholarship to fund my training.”

Q: What advice would you give to other students, especially those in a similar situation to you?

A: “You have to keep pushing. Be persistent, not just once or twice, but 10 times if necessary. That’s what will get you where you want to go.

“For immigrant children, I wish there were more support systems in place. We bring resilience and skills from our experiences, and those should be recognised. To anyone in my situation, take every opportunity that comes your way – it will pay off in the end.”

Q: Would you recommend the Travel and Tourism course at Burnley College to others?

A: “College was a great time for me, especially at Burnley College, because I got so involved in everything, and I finally felt heard and seen. The college is one of the top colleges in the country, and the support they give you is brilliant. The teachers are kind and approachable, and the course prepares you for work.

“For anyone interested in Travel and Tourism, studying this qualification is the best thing you can do if you want to be work-ready.”

Nikolett Turai, Negar’s Lecturer in Business and Travel & Tourism at Burnley College, wished to add the following about Negar’s journey:

“When Negar first came to us, we placed her at a lower level because we didn’t know her full story and didn’t want to overwhelm her. However, as the year progressed, Negar gained confidence, and we quickly saw her excel. She was always finishing tasks first, and the quality of her work was excellent. That’s why we moved her up to Level 3, knowing she could handle the challenge.

“Negar was always so resilient, and even when she wasn’t confident with a topic, she’d ask for help and do further research on her own. She took on every opportunity that came her way, and I’m incredibly proud of everything she’s achieved.”

To find out more about the Travel and Tourism qualifications we offer, visit our Travel and Tourism homepage.

Pictured: Negar Rezaei