From their hearts to my hands: inspired by my immigrant parents

Hi, I’m Alishba, and I’m in my second year of BSc (Hons) Forensic and Medical Sciences.

I’ve been living in Bradford since I first came to the UK, and it's been an incredible journey! Like many of you, I'm a child of extremely hardworking immigrant parents.

In this blog, I'm going to share the privilege of the education my parents have given me and my experiences of how the University has been supportive.

The life my parents left behind

My dad is from Karachi, Pakistan, and my mum is from Hyderabad, Pakistan. Although they came from different cities, they shared similar middle-class upbringings.

Pakistan is a developing country with a rich culture, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, known for their hospitality. However, it also faces challenges like poor healthcare, limited job opportunities, and difficulties in accessing education (even those with access to education may encounter limited job prospects). These issues have contributed to a low literacy rate, and many parents struggle to afford their children's education, sometimes leading to child labour. 

My dad had to start working at a very young age. In the late 1990s, he travelled to many countries with a big dream and did all sorts of jobs so his kids wouldn’t face similar hardships. Finally, in search of a better life, my parents left everything behind and gave me a place to call 'home' in a new world.

Building dreams with my parents' support

My dad came here with nothing but hope. He knew no English and had no connections. He worked tirelessly, taking on two jobs in a single day.

My mum, a housewife, dedicated herself to our family, raising four children, ensuring we went to school, and taking care of the home.

From my smallest successes, like being a ‘Star of the Week’, to bigger ones like passing exams, my parents always had a tearful smile. Their message was always the same: they believed in me. This belief, this unwavering faith in my abilities, fuelled my ambitions. Their support wasn't always vocal; often, it was simply in the way they listened, giving me the freedom to choose my path and focus on self-improvement.

Growing up in an immigrant family, education is a powerful legacy. It's seen as a pathway to opportunity, a means to build a better life, and a bridge to integrate into a new society. It represents hope and a chance to achieve what previous generations couldn't.

Honouring their sacrifice by living its meaning

My parents always encouraged me, saying, "Aim higher and do better, so you can have opportunities we never had."

Choosing to study BSc (Hons) Forensic and Medical Science was a pivotal decision for me. I never really thought I'd build a career in this field, yet it's something I've been passionate about since childhood. I'd watch C.I.D., an Indian series on TV, and crime scene documentaries on the Discovery Channel with my dad, always bombarding him with questions at the end.

I've always been a curious child, fascinated by suspicious things, and taking a keen interest in paranormal activities and murder scenes. Yes, it's chilling to watch, but the curiosity has always been there, even now. This has become my favourite genre for movies and books. To be honest, when I had an offer from the University of Bradford for this course, I was really shocked that these types of courses were available here.

As I began to understand my course better, gaining hands-on experience, I found I truly enjoyed it. Forensic and medical science is a diverse field, combining law, criminology, and, of course, the science behind every mark. The staff are very supportive. This course is packed with cool stuff – you'll learn all about anatomy, anthropology, forensic taphonomy, genetics, and so much more. And the best part? You get real-world experience through placements and fieldwork, which is super helpful for the future!

Navigating uni life as a first-generation immigrant student

As the first in my immigrant family to go to university, my first day at Bradford was a mix of excitement and worry. The shift to a completely new environment after finishing secondary school and sixth form at the same school was challenging.

Yes, I was nervous and felt like I was going to mess up. But I pushed myself, remembering my parents' sacrifices in bringing me here, and that this was my purpose.

I clearly remember attending an Open Day. Mum was probably more stressed than I, but she didn't want to show it – she just wanted me to be all set with the course and get enrolled. She had a bunch of questions, like "What would I be doing?", "What are the career options?" and "What's the next step?". Following a discussion with Professor Janaway, who provided detailed answers to every question, Mum and I both felt much more confident.

Bradford really opened doors to the career I wanted. They provided so much help, from finance and enrolment, to the welcome week, a personal tutor, and loads of support.

I became involved in the University of Bradford Union of Students activities, held executive positions in several societies, served as a student representative for my course and as a student ambassador, where I assisted new students. I'll always be grateful to Bradford for providing opportunities for students to represent their countries or passions and create a sense of belonging. I'm proud to have represented my country, Pakistan, at UBU. This is a place of opportunity, and I'm eager to participate more.

Finding my place at Bradford

Growing up here, I've experienced Bradford's vibrant cultural scene. With its large Desi communities, it brings the vibe of my homeland, making it a uniquely welcoming place for everyone. As someone who belongs to a Muslim family, we have access to mosques and Islamic education, enriching our community life.

The University of Bradford also allows everyone to practice their faith, with a multi-faith prayer room which creates a welcoming environment for all. You'll discover many exciting places to explore, from historical sites to modern attractions, all while enjoying the convenience of reasonably priced restaurants and takeaways. The city is always offering something for every interest, and the strong sense of community here makes Bradford a special place to live and visit.

Let their sacrifices fuel your success

If there's a piece of advice I can offer, it's this: if you have a passion, pursue it and make your parents proud.

The support you'll receive can be immense, and truly, anything is possible.

Never take your opportunities for granted and always remember and honour the sacrifices made for you. Like my parents, many immigrant parents have paved the way, all in the hope of building a brighter future for their children. Their journeys, filled with challenges and unwavering determination, have laid the foundation for our lives. I acknowledge and admire their sacrifices, the countless hours of hard work, the cultural adjustments, and the dreams they held onto, which have shaped who we are today.

Build your future at Bradford.

Dream big. Break barriers.

Everyone deserves the chance to transform their future. Discover how Bradford can help you open doors with our Widening Participation Scheme.