Case Study

I have family in Sunderland, and moved here from Greater Manchester in 2016 after losing my dad. Two years before that I lost my mam. Me and my dad were joined at the hip, and losing him was one of the hardest times of my life. I decided to come to Sunderland as I wanted to expand my available possibilities for the future and to give myself a better chance at a good career.

I am the first person from my family to actually go to university so it was hard getting advice of whether or not to go for it to begin with. So I made the decision for myself to come to university. I’m learning new things every day. It’s a real pleasure to be a part of the University.”

Tanika says she would not hesitate to advise any young person worried about going to university to just to go for it.

“Don’t hold back. There is no better feeling than knowing you’re doing something good for your future, and you will make amazing friends along the way. Even though some of the worst things can happen, there’s always the chance to move on and improve yourself. The University of Sunderland has really helped me realise that.”

Published 3 April 2020