Pariss Sailsman's story
Pariss Sailsman's story
My university journey was anything but smooth. From an early age, I was often labelled an underachiever, a label that disheartened me deeply. Despite this, I found support in a secondary school teacher who believed in me when I failed to secure a university spot due to inadequate grades. With his guidance, I explored the Clearing application period and discovered a foundation course in Applied Criminology at the University of East London. I didn’t have high enough grades to get on the BA.
Honestly, the course seemed tailor-made for me. particularly because of my upbringing in an inner-city environment, where I witnessed firsthand the impact of disproportionate policing on my community. I grew up in an inner-city area in Wolverhampton. A lot of my peers used to be stopped and searched disproportionally. Predominantly Black and Asian people. I didn’t experience it personally, but it was what I saw growing up. I thought that eventually, I would have children, and this issue became close to my heart. I wanted to understand how to make systemic changes. This is where my interest and curiosity started. I wanted to not only understand what is being done but to see how we can rehabilitate people when they leave custody and how they go to resettling. This is why I applied for the criminology degree.
Entering the foundation programme was a leap of faith, but it ignited a spark within me. For two years, I immersed myself in the study of criminology, supported by dedicated tutors and lecturers who fuelled my passion and supported me throughout. My hard work paid off, and I progressed to the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Achieving a 2:1 was beyond my wildest dreams and a true testament to the power of right support and determination.
I was lucky that this degree wasn't just academic; it was practical. After graduating I could work in so many different fields and I tried them all. I have experience in the probation service, prison service, and youth offending team, among others. This exposure was crucial and inspired me to start my own business; I wanted to bring all the services together and offer something holistic. "Journal to Dreams" is my baby. It has become an award-winning personal development organisation focused on empowering women and young people through workshops and therapeutic interventions. We've had significant success, even securing contracts with Birmingham Council to foster a sense of purpose in young people going through school and university.
Growing up, my mum ensured a nurturing home life to protect me from the harsh realities that many of my peers faced. This protective bubble allowed me the privilege of extracurricular activities, which kept me grounded and safe. It’s a privilege I seek to extend to others through my work, aiming to reduce youth violence and gang culture through positive engagement.
Looking to the future, I hope to transform "Journal to Dreams" into a global entity that helps individuals—especially women and children—find their purpose and place in the world. I aim to be a catalyst for those who lack a sense of belonging, purpose, or belief in themselves. I want to leave every person I meet better than I found them.
As I often tell others, you miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take. It's not just about academic prowess; finding your passion can propel you to unimaginable heights. I am living proof of that, and I believe anyone can achieve their dreams with the right support and determination.
Pariss Sailsman
BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice
