Former Salford City College student Roua Sami has been given special recognition by the Association of Colleges (AoC) as part of their ‘Student of the Year’ awards selection. The judges were so impressed by Roua’s commitment to her studies, which she completed at Pendleton Sixth Form Centre, that for their first time they have introduced a ‘Highly Commended’ category for the award.
Earlier this year, 19-year-old Roua was named ‘Outstanding Science Student of the Year’ at the National BTEC Awards, after achieving a triple-starred distinction in her Applied Science Extended Diploma. She then stayed on to take A-Levels at Pendleton Sixth Form Centre, before joining Durham University’s Pharmacy degree this September.
Roua arrived in the UK from Iraq via Jordon in 2012, without a secondary education and only very basic English. Determined to overcome her lack of qualifications to pursue a career in science, Roua enrolled on Salford City College’s BTEC Applied Science course so she could carry out the practical assignments and experiments that would improve her writing and lab skills.
She also took GCSE English and Maths alongside her BTEC and evening classes in GCSE Physics and Chemistry to gain the qualifications she needed for university. She organised work experience placements at Specsavers to develop her communication skills and with Gatley Pharmacy to enhance her university application.
Whilst studying at college, Roua’s baby sister was diagnosed with a severe genetic blood disorder which required Roua to be her main carer whilst in hospital, and to act as a translator for the family. Despite such difficulties, she maintained a near-perfect attendance record over two years and never missed a deadline.
In total, the AoC received 82 nominations for the ‘Student of the Year’ award, each of which highlighted the exceptional work of students. The judges were hugely impressed with Roua’s commitment to her studies and success in her studies, despite the obstacles she has had to overcome, and felt that this needed to be recognised.
President of the Association of Colleges, John Widdowson, who led the judging panel, said: “As a college principal, I know that students across the country are committed to working hard to achieve success. Roua has shown the positive impact further education can have and is a true inspiration to all.”
Chris Holgate, Curriculum Leader for Science at Pendleton Sixth Form Centre, said: “Roua is an exceptional young woman who is a formidable ambassador for science and vocational qualifications. She is a shining example of how a vocational qualification in science and sheer determination can be so powerful in ensuring social mobility and in achieving one’s goals.”
Upon being presented with her ‘Highly Commended’ AoC certificate by John Spindler and BBC broadcaster Naga Munchetty last Friday, Roua said: “It was completely unexpected. I am so happy to be recognised both by my teachers and the AoC.”
