Student triumphs in education against odds
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Published
04 July 2024
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University of East London student Farhad Hussain has won the Festival of Learning Patron’s Award for his remarkable resilience in challenging illness and disability to pursue a degree and re-establish his career in banking.
Farhad was personally selected by Learning and Work Institute’s patron, the Princess Royal, who, in a message to the ceremony, recounted how Farhad had discovered a renewed purpose in life when he discovered the UEL’s New Beginnings pre-entry programme.
The Princess Royal said,
I hope Farhad’s exceptional story will help inspire the next cohort of adult learners. Congratulations on your achievement.”
A serious illness in 2012 left the 37-year-old former bank manager blind and nearly paraplegic, with limited movement in one arm and his head. Despite these profound challenges, Farhad decided to commit himself to a degree and begin his journey back to a career.
Farhad said, “I was in hospital for six months and cut off from social and work life. I had second thoughts about studying at university, but was eager to do a degree as I never had the chance before.”
He had already shouldered considerable responsibilities and faced challenges from a young age.
“I started working at 16 as my Dad had a stroke. I was the oldest in my family and had the responsibility to pay the mortgage and bills. My family have professional degrees, and I wanted to uphold the family tradition and show them I can also achieve exceptional things even from a wheelchair.
“Eventually, my eyesight started coming back. I’d seen the University of East London close to my house so many times, so I decided to come in.”
Farhad was told about UEL’s 10-week pre-entry course that prepares non-traditional students for a degree-level education. Over the following weeks, he won the hearts and minds of his classmates with his determination.
He suffered setbacks when his energy levels waned, and his medical team advised him to step back because of a serious infection. But he returned stronger and with greater mobility, leaving friends and colleagues in constant awe. He was able to complete the course and move on to BSc Banking and Finance in September 2023, where he has excelled. In February this year, he started one of 10 internships with Barclays.
He said, “I received a first-class distinction in my first year of studies. I’ve got three more years to go because I’m studying part-time, but at the end of the course, I want to work in FinTech, making banking more accessible for the vulnerable people and elderly people of Newham.”
He received his award at a ceremony on Wednesday, 3 July, in Holborn. The Learning and Work Institute’s flagship event celebrates lifelong learning. He said he was amazed and delighted to win, adding that the New Beginnings programme “lit a fire within me that was burning to succeed”.
Dr Caroline McGlynn, Programme Leader of New Beginnings, said, "Farhad Hussein's journey into education is nothing short of inspirational. Overcoming physical limitations, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication. His achievement in completing the pre-entry course and
embarking on a degree is a testament to his hard work and determination. Farhad truly deserves this award, and we are incredibly proud of him. Congratulations, Farhad!"
Farhad said, “I would not be surprised if I walked again someday, as I continue to do physiotherapy and will never give up. I will overcome my illness and prove to the world to never judge a book by its cover. The doctors told me I have a one-in-a-million disease and would never see again, but there is no such word as impossible.
“Going to university gave me a purpose in life and a reason to fight. I won’t let anything get in my way as I believe it’s my second chance in life for which I am forever grateful.”