Opinion

My road from refugee to university graduate

William Gomes, a Bangladeshi journalist and human rights activist, tells us how it felt to graduate after the long journey he's been on

William gomes graduates

Graduation was a very proud moment Photo supplied

On April 1 2022, I finally attended the University of Essex’s graduation ceremony.  On November 25 2020, I had been conferred a Master of Arts (with Distinction) in Refugee Care, but the pandemic postponed the celebration that would have occurred long ago under normal circumstances. 

I want to share parts of my journey to the celebration. It’s an incredible experience to wear the graduation gown and celebrate with my colleagues. It was an unforgettable moment to hear my name read aloud and to be recognised by the university and others. As an ex-refugee and a minority, I have frequently been denied my proper acknowledgement, and the establishment has consistently refused to recognise me and accord me the recognition I deserve. 

Many things happened as I pursued the degree: the Covid-19 pandemic; countrywide lockdown; my son was born, to name a few. There was a time I thought I would not continue and give up, but I remained persistent. The challenges were mounting up. 

Today the journey ends. 

It was difficult for me to get to the graduation celebration, let alone afford decent shoes, a suit, or a tie, and travel from York to London and eventually to Colchester. I had to make a financial sacrifice to attend the graduation ceremony on many levels, but I did it.  

It was more challenging to do the course, affording to pay the fees. I had to raise the funds using GoFundMe. The course was offered jointly by The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and University of Essex. I had to attend some days of classes at Tavistock and then do a placement in London, and the rest of the courses on other days of the week in Colchester. My wife was pregnant during this period, and I had to travel to London and Colchester from York. 

The whole course somehow replicates my refugee journey. I’ve met a lot of wonderful individuals who have been tremendously kind and supportive in a number of ways. I’m incredibly appreciative of each of them – without their assistance, I would not have been able to complete the degree. They come from different countries and fields but are committed to one goal: to help displaced people. I have learned from their knowledge, experience, and lives and I’m very thankful to my colleagues. I am incredibly thankful to Professor Renos Papadopoulos who supervised my dissertation, which was titled, A Psychosocial Conceptualisation of Refugee Experiences: Involuntary Loss of Home, Torture and Trauma. 

Additionally, I’ve experienced unkind people who refused to recognise my human existence and potential. I will underline the need for all of us to provide opportunities for refugees. A new, kinder, and better future is possible.

William is fundraising in order to complete his doctorate degree. You can find out more information on his gofundme page and follow him on Twitter: @Wnicholasgomes

This article is taken from The Big Issue magazine, which exists to give homeless, long-term unemployed and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy!

If you cannot reach your local vendor, you can still click HERE to subscribe to The Big Issue today or give a gift subscription to a friend or family member. You can also purchase one-off issues from The Big Issue Shop or The Big Issue app, available now from the App Store or Google Play.

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
Social care is on its knees. It's no wonder public dissatisfaction is at a record high
social care
Evan John

Social care is on its knees. It's no wonder public dissatisfaction is at a record high

Two-child limit on benefits is cruel and unfair. Politicians must rethink ahead of general election
two child limit/ three kids
Martin O'Neill

Two-child limit on benefits is cruel and unfair. Politicians must rethink ahead of general election

Investment in social housing is an investment in people
John Bird

Investment in social housing is an investment in people

Want to rebuild the UK economy, Jeremy Hunt? Start with our beautiful public libraries
library
Jo Cornish

Want to rebuild the UK economy, Jeremy Hunt? Start with our beautiful public libraries

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know