Saamiyah Khan is an MSc Psychology student at our Leeds campus. Here, she shares her goals, how she balances work with her studies and her tips for getting motivated.
By April Baniqued. Published 16 September 2025.
I've already reached my career goal of becoming a Family Support Worker, helping families and children through tough times. What really drives me now is making sure people from ethnic minority communities feel comfortable asking for help with their mental health. I want to break the stigma and make sure they know support is available and that it’s okay to talk about how they’re feeling.
I knew I wanted to go to university when I realised how important education is for making a real difference in people’s lives. I chose The University of Law because of its strong reputation and the support it offers students. I also wanted to stay close to home while studying so it was great to find they had a campus in Leeds.
Returning to study after starting my career has been a challenge but also a big accomplishment. Juggling full-time work, studies and a personal life takes discipline but I’ve managed it by setting a structured routine and prioritising self-care. It’s helped reinforce my commitment to lifelong learning and helped me grow in my current role.
The support from staff and my friends at the University has made a huge difference too. My academic coach and lecturers have supported me by answering questions and encouraging me during busy times. Their help has kept me motivated throughout my studies.
The Employability Service has also been helpful, offering great resources for CV building and interview preparation. Even though I’m already in my career, their workshops have helped me think long-term and refine my professional goals.
For inspiration, I recommend reading “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk. It’s been a great source of motivation. It completely changed the way I view trauma and healing. It deepened my understanding of how emotional experiences shape behaviour, both personally and professionally.
My advice for other students considering a similar career path is to be open to learning and evolving. Remember: your path may shift and that’s okay. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek support and follow what truly matters to you. Most importantly, use your personal experiences as a strength in this field, they can be your most powerful tool.
In five years, I hope to be leading or contributing to mental health initiatives aimed at supporting ethnic minority communities, ideally within an NHS or charity setting. I hope to change the narrative and help break down cultural stigmas around mental health.
Visit our LiveProspectus to find out what student life is like, or learn more about our Psychology course.
