The Student Success Endowment: Syeda

My name is Syeda, and I am currently in my second year of studying Textile Design, specializing in embroidery. I have a deep passion for my course, as it allows me to explore my identity and express my voice. I was both excited and a little anxious when I received my offer from NTU, as I am the first in my family to have the opportunity to study at a university.

I have always been a shy and reserved person, especially after moving to the UK from Pakistan, when I was 14 years old back in 2019. The situation was made more difficult when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, making it challenging to socialize. Even as I progressed onto college, I felt a fear of making mistakes. Although I could have completed my BTEC degree in fashion & textiles at college, I chose to explore more opportunities and experience university life. NTU has since become a special part of my life, where I have made many friends who are empathetic and share my values.

Art has always been my passion. In primary school, I used to create clothes out of textbook paper, and I developed a love for photography. Throughout my journey, I have also admired my tutors for their dedication, resilience, and hard work. I aspire to become a teacher who supports students and stands by them, just as my tutors have supported me. My time at NTU has enhanced my confidence, both in my creativity and in my personality. During my studies, I have learned the importance of sustainability and how, as a future designer, I can contribute to creating a better environment. I make my own natural dyes and use organic fabrics whenever possible. I have also learned to crochet as a hobby and buy sustainable yarns whenever I can.

The SSE has been invaluable and supported my engagement in social activities. The funding helped me to cover travel expenses for trips such as attending Global Week on other campuses and visiting galleries like the V&A. It also enabled me to buy a DSLR camera, which is something I had never been able to afford before. Photography has been my hobby since I was a kid, I always like to capture moments in time. With the support of the bursary, I also run a crochet/knit session at the Global Lounge once a week, which has improved my public speaking abilities and helped me develop cultural competence, meaning my ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. These opportunities have allowed me to develop essential professional skills, including leadership, communication, networking and community engagement, all of which are crucial to any career.

My goal is to become a sustainable designer, contributing to the betterment of our future by using biomaterials and natural dyes in my upcoming projects. After completing my studies, I hope to gain teaching qualifications and work experience in the education sector, with the hope of one day returning to NTU to pursue a PhD in textiles.

I am truly grateful for the donations made to the Student Success Endowment. This support has allowed me to focus on my studies and activities like volunteering at schools and libraries. I volunteer at a school with IntoUniversity, assisting secondary students at an after-school club by helping them with their homework. I also volunteer at a local library, where I can develop skills that will benefit me in the future. These experiences have been incredibly valuable, helping me grow as an individual and become a better version of myself. By being able to give back to my community, I feel more connected to others and more motivated to continue working toward my goals. The support I’ve received has made a significant difference in my journey, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to make the most of my time at NTU.