Tetiana is studying English and Maths at Bradford College, building the qualifications she needs to progress toward her dream of becoming a physiotherapist.
When Tetiana lived in Ukraine, she worked as a massage therapist, a career she loved and took great pride in. But after moving to Bradford, she found herself needing to start again and rebuild her future from the ground up.
She chose Bradford College because it was local, but quickly found that it offered far more than convenience. “I’ve done three courses here. It feels like I live here already! I just like the atmosphere. The college is new, modern, and the people are lovely,” she shared. Her admiration for her tutors is clear, speaking warmly of the friendly relationships she has built and describes her Maths teacher as “outstanding” and incredibly supportive.
Aiming High
Tetiana is particularly proud of her progress in English. After initially achieving a Grade 3, she decided to re‑sit the exam in November, this time earning a Grade 4.
“I was determined to get a five, but I’m still learning English. It’s not like you can stop one day because it’s your second language,” she said. Despite not yet reaching the grade she hopes for, her pride in her progress shines through.
“It’s a miracle. I still can’t believe it. English is my second language, so you never stop learning it. You have to keep improving for the rest of your life.”
She is now preparing for her GCSE Maths exam and is ready to re-sit if needed – fully committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve her ambitions.
Relearning the Basics
At 44, Tetiana is honest about how challenging returning to education as an adult can be. “Everything is new. All the information is harder to absorb. I have to had to start everything from zero.”
While English has come more naturally due to studying it at school, Maths has been more difficult. She notes that, unlike in Ukraine, the course here includes topics like physics, which she finds unusual and challenging. Yet, even with these obstacles, she continues to push herself, motivated by her goals and her belief in lifelong learning.
Overcoming Personal Hardship
Tetiana’s educational journey has taken place during one of the most difficult periods of her life. She tragically lost her brother, who was killed while serving in the Ukrainian Army. This heartbreaking loss meant she had to leave her studies temporarily to support her family and bring her mother to the UK for safety.
Despite this immense emotional burden, Tetiana stayed committed to her education. She kept up with her learning during this time, returned to college when she could, and still managed to achieve a Grade 3 in her summer exam. Rather than giving up, she used her experience as motivation to continue forward, enrolling in the November GCSE and proudly achieving a Grade 4.
Her ability to persevere through such profound loss is a powerful testament to her resilience and strength.
Rebuilding Her Life
Tetiana previously studied rehabilitation at university in Ukraine, completing her first year before moving to the UK.
“My dream is actually to go to university and become a physiotherapist.”
She knows she needs strong English and Maths grades to achieve this — and she is determined to keep learning, even after completing her exams. Tetiana’s resilience, optimism, and unwavering dedication make her a remarkable example of what can be achieved with belief in yourself and the courage to keep going.
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