Ariona’s story
Starting over
When Ariona arrived in the UK during the COVID pandemic, life felt uncertain. Originally from Albania and trained as a language teacher, moving to a new country meant starting again.
Her main focus was on creating the best possible future for her children. “At first, I didn’t think about myself,” Ariona explains. “My focus was on my children, their future, their education, their opportunities.” Over time, she began to see her move to the UK as a second chance for herself and enrolled on a Teaching Assistant course at Brasshouse Centre.
Overcoming challenges
Studying in a new education system, learning in a second language and balancing family life tested Ariona’s confidence. “It wasn’t easy,” she says. “Learning in a new system, in a different language, while managing family life was a real challenge. There were moments of doubt, but I didn’t stop.”
Although initially quiet in class, Ariona’s commitment quickly stood out. She stayed behind after sessions to ask questions and deepen her understanding. “Step by step, I grew more confident,” she reflects. “I started to believe in my abilities again.”
“I am not just building a better future for my children; I am building one for myself too.”
Looking ahead
Although initially quiet in class, Ariona’s commitment quickly stood out. She stayed behind after sessions to ask questions and deepen her understanding.
“Step by step, I grew more confident,” she reflects. “I started to believe in my abilities again.”
