Nia’s story

Mature student, Nia, was in the second year of a Physiotherapy degree at the University of Winchester when she took part in a workshop for Students of Colour.

I was particularly interested in the workshop after receiving an email invitation specifically for Students of Colour. After visiting the website and hearing personal testimonies from past attendees, I felt a strong desire to be part of that community. The workshop's focus on participant-led discussions and understanding each individual's unique background and situation deeply resonated with me. It provided an emotional and safe space where everyone felt comfortable sharing their experiences and journeys.

Initially, I expected the workshop to be a more instructional session, focusing on teaching practical skills for ethnic minority students to navigate both university life and the wider world. However, it was quite different. The actual workshop revolved around shared experiences and emotional connections.

Being in an all-people of colour space profoundly influenced my experience. It fostered a deep sense of belonging and understanding. We shared similar backgrounds and faced many of the same challenges as university students, despite having diverse aspirations. This collective environment created a powerful sense of solidarity and mutual support.

Having had this experience, I am now choosing to speak up and ensure my voice is heard. I feel empowered and am not afraid to face any challenges, knowing there is a strong support system available to help me.