Mariam stunned by YAYA success
One University of Huddersfield student has admitted to being in shock after being named as the overall winner at the 2023 Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever awards.
Mariam Habib, 28, has overcome enormous challenges in her family life and is nearing the end of her Health and Social Care degree but was taken by surprise when her name was read out at the awards night held recently at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford.
The awards – known as the YAYAs – are now in their fourth year and recognise the efforts of young people aged 16-30 of South Asian heritage born or living and working in Yorkshire.
A single mum, Mariam has a son who has multiple health issues that leave him totally dependent on Mariam. While having her second child, she had the courage to leave an abusive marriage and also decided to step back from education for a year to allow her, her son and her daughter to find their feet.
“I made that stand for me and my children,” says Mariam, “so for the first time I can do things and take time for myself. Going to university was my biggest achievement and being able to achieve strong academic results, acquiring knowledge and education to the best of my ability has become key for me. It’s enabled me to give a better and brighter future for my children.
“Another achievement for me would be passing my driving test, which was the first step forward for me which gave me further independence. I feel blessed and grateful for where I am now and appreciate every single milestone.”
The support she receives from her tutors and the Wellbeing team at the University also came in for special praise from Mariam, who want to be a social worker after she graduates.
Mariam Habib
YAYA winner and Health & Social Care student
“The tutors and teachers are really sympathetic and very supportive. They have been very accommodating around my circumstances, I could not have been studying at a better place. I am very grateful for their support.
"I will be forever grateful for my parents, my brothers, my tutors, friends, and my son's health care professionals for supporting me throughout my journey. Without it I do not know where I would be.
Mariam to utilise her experience in her career
“My ultimate goal is that I can support others within own personal experiences which, I can relate in many forms but on the other hand, I am fully aware that I must always keep professionalism into consideration. I cannot wait to, hopefully, become a social worker and to be able to give my all to vulnerable children who are so unique in their own ways and furthermore, to be able to support families and making awareness.
“I was living a life of torture but now I can be there for my children and live a happy, safe, and content life. I feel so blessed for everything I have overcome and achieved, it has made a huge difference in my life and my children's lives, and the fact that I have a voice today to speak out makes a difference.
“I am still in total shock about the award and still processing it. I am very blessed – getting this award is a lovely bonus on top of everything else.”