I grew up in South London, and I’ve never really left. My parents are Albanian and moved to the UK before I was born. My sister was born in Germany while they were on their journey here, but I was the first in my family born in London. Growing up, it wasn’t always easy. South London has its rough parts, and we didn’t have any extended family around, so it was just me, my sister and my parents. But I love this place. It’s shaped me, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

At home we spoke Albanian, so that was my first language. My parents made sure we stayed connected to our culture, and we’d travel back to Albania whenever we could. I feel lucky to have both sides of me, the Albanian and the British, because they’ve shaped my values and the way I treat people. Albanians are known for being warm and welcoming, and I’ve always carried that with me.

I’ve always loved learning. School was one of my favourite parts of growing up. I was lucky to have incredible teachers who genuinely cared, and they played a huge role in who I’ve become. I still keep in touch with many of them today. I had one teacher in particular who got me into reading and introduced me to Roald Dahl when I was only six, and I’ve loved books ever since. School wasn’t always smooth sailing, especially towards the end when life got a bit complicated, but my teachers and friends supported me through it.

Family has always been my biggest motivation. My parents didn’t go to university, so education was a way for me to open doors that hadn’t been open to them. I started out studying law, I even did work experience at a law firm in Chancery Lane when I was in secondary school, one of only five students selected from my year. That experience made me feel like I could really do something big with my life. But during my A levels and early university years, things got tough at home. I had to take on more responsibility, and eventually I switched from law to criminology.

I did well but I didn’t feel fulfilled. I enjoyed the subject, but I couldn’t see a clear career path ahead. After I graduated, I took some time off, travelled to Albania for a couple of months and tried to figure things out. When I came back, I started working as a nanny. I love kids and the job was fine, but I knew deep down that it wasn’t what I was meant to be doing. I wanted to help people in a more direct way, to feel like I was making a real difference.
Then I came across podiatry almost by accident. My dad has struggled for years with foot problems, waiting months just to get an NHS appointment. I started researching the field and realised how few podiatrists there are in the UK. I called Student Finance to see if I could do another undergraduate degree and when they said yes, something just clicked. It felt like a new beginning.

From that moment on, everything changed. I applied through UCAS in a rush, thinking I’d probably missed my chance, but I got in. Now I’m studying podiatry at the University of East London, the only university in London that offers the course. From the first week, I’ve loved it. The lecturers are amazing, so supportive and passionate, and the course is hands-on from the start. We’ve already done practicals, and I can see how everything connects to the real world. It feels like I’ve found what I was meant to do.

Getting the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship was honestly one of the most emotional moments of my life. I didn’t think I’d get it, and I almost didn’t apply. I left it until the very last minute, submitted it the night before the deadline, and completely forgot about it. Then one morning I checked my emails and saw “Scholarship Successful”. I burst into tears. I’ve worked since I was 16, paid my own way through everything, so to be recognised like that felt huge. It made me proud of myself in a way I hadn’t felt before.

The scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It’s allowed me to focus fully on my studies and given me the confidence to believe I belong here. I feel calmer, more secure and genuinely happy.
My goal after graduating is to go straight into the NHS. I want to be on the frontline, helping reduce waiting times and improving access to foot care. Eventually, I’d love to open my own clinic with my sister, who’s also studying podiatry at UEL after taking time off to raise her children. We keep each other motivated; we study together, push each other and hold each other accountable.

Looking back, my journey has had plenty of highs and lows, but I’m grateful for all of it. Every challenge has led me to where I am now. Studying something I love, surrounded by people who inspire me, and finally feeling sure of where I’m heading.

Amy Gega 
BSc (Hons) Podiatry