From Aleppo to Glasgow: Rima's journey of turning goals into reality

Rima Sayed is a third-year International Business and Human Resource Management student at GCU, whose journey back into education has been anything but ordinary.

Before moving to the UK, Rima completed a degree in Economics at the University of Aleppo. After settling in Scotland in 2020, she made the decision to return to education and build a new academic and professional future for herself.

Having moved to Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rima faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, improving her English and rebuilding her educational journey.

After completing her HNC and HND at City of Glasgow College, she successfully gained direct entry into Year 3 at GCU – a milestone she describes as a dream.

Now, as a mum of four and another on the way, Rima is continuing to work towards her ambitions, with hopes of one day pursuing postgraduate study and sharing her knowledge with others.

Rima's journey from Aleppo to Glasgow

“I began my education in my home country, Syria, where I studied Business Administration at university, graduating in 2009. During my second year, I got married and moved to the United Arab Emirates, where my husband was working as an engineer.

“I continued my studies while managing family life, eventually graduating while raising my first two children.

“Living in different countries gave me the opportunity to meet new people, develop my social skills and gain different experiences. I later moved to Saudi Arabia, where I continued developing my teaching skills by helping my children with their education and providing private lessons to other students.

“When I moved to the UK in 2020, one of my biggest priorities was improving my English, particularly my conversational and academic skills. I started with ESOL courses before my lecturers encouraged me to explore subjects that matched my interests and previous experience.

“Business management was always something I enjoyed, so I decided to continue down that route at City of Glasgow College. I completed my HNC and HND before successfully gaining entry to GCU.

“Now, I'm studying International Business and HR in Year 3. One of my biggest goals is to graduate with a UK qualification, which could eventually allow me to teach students at university or college level.”

Overcoming challenges and starting again

“Moving to a new country where you don't know anyone is a big challenge. You have to start from zero and build your own social circle, which is important for connecting with a new society and developing as a person.

“I don't like to live without giving something back or learning something new every day. Building friendships and meeting different people has helped me gain new skills and develop my personality.

“Since moving to Scotland, I've also been involved in volunteering, including at hospital charity shops and Glasgow City Council events. I've worked hard to contribute to the community because I feel this country has given me so many opportunities, new skills, knowledge and education.

“I feel a responsibility to give something back to the society that has supported me. Scotland has been incredibly welcoming, and the people I've met have made me feel included. There are so many opportunities here, and I've tried to make the most of them.”

Balancing family life and education

“I think my personality plays a big part because I always like to set goals and work towards them. Time passes so quickly, and when you're in a new country without your family and friends nearby, it's important to invest in yourself.

“Whether that's through education or work, keeping yourself busy with positive things can make a huge difference to your mentality. You meet new people, learn new things and gain experiences that help you grow.

“I believe you have to do something for yourself. It helps you become more mature and adapt to the society and environment you're living in.

“Ultimately, you have to motivate yourself. Nobody else can do that for you. When you motivate yourself, you start to see more opportunities opening up around you.”

Turning a goal into reality at GCU

“It was a very important moment in my life. When I first arrived in the UK, I never imagined that one day I would become part of such a wonderful university. I had limited skills when I first came here, but by working on myself and taking things one step at a time, I eventually reached this point.

“I remember when I started my HND, one of my lecturers asked whether I was sure I could manage the course and graduate, especially as I was a mum of four children.

“I told her I would do my best because I love education, learning new things and gaining knowledge. She was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to keep going.

“I decided I wasn't going to give up or withdraw from the course. I wanted to challenge myself and prove that I could do it.  I achieved two A’s during my studies at college, which came as a surprise and made me incredibly proud of myself.”

Advice for anyone thinking about returning to education

“I think it's important to always have goals and keep moving forward. You have to invest in yourself, whether that's through education or work, because it gives you something positive to focus on and helps you develop every day.

“When I came to the UK, I didn't imagine I would one day be studying at university. But I kept motivating myself, taking one step at a time and believing that I could achieve something bigger.

“I would encourage anyone who feels it's too late to return to education to challenge themselves. Don't be afraid to try something new or think that your circumstances mean you cannot achieve your goals.

“You have to motivate yourself because nobody else can do that for you. If you believe in yourself and keep moving forward, opportunities will open up.”

Rima’s hopes for the future

“My main goal is to graduate from GCU. Depending on my circumstances, I would love to continue my education by completing a master's degree and potentially a PhD.

“I really enjoy teaching, and I would love to share the knowledge I've gained with other students, whether that's here in the UK or abroad. I think teaching university students is a great way to contribute something meaningful to society.

Rima’s proudest moment

“When I reflect on my journey, I'm most proud of overcoming the challenges that came with moving to different countries, adapting to new languages and adjusting to different lifestyles.

“When you first arrive somewhere new, you might have certain expectations, but you soon realise that life isn't always as easy as you imagined. There are challenges you don't understand until you experience them.

“However, if you have the right mindset and believe you can adapt, you can overcome those challenges wherever you are.

“I'm proud that, in every country I've lived in, I've challenged myself to adapt to the society around me. Alhamdulillah, I feel I've succeeded in doing that.”

By Lucy Rodgers
Got a story you’d like to share with me? Email me at lucy.rodgers@gcu.ac.uk