Growing up in Leicester, a city known for its diversity, has been both a blessing and a challenge. The rich mix of cultures made it easier to feel seen and included, but it didn’t erase all the obstacles. My mother, a dedicated carer, has faced racial discrimination in the workplace — something I witnessed from a young age. Language barriers made things even harder for my parents when we first moved here, and I’ve always carried the weight of those sacrifices and struggles with me.
For me, the journey through education hasn’t been impossible — but it hasn’t been equal either. As someone who dreams of becoming a corporate lawyer, I’ve found it difficult to access the kinds of law-related opportunities that students in other areas or from different backgrounds might take for granted. In Leicester, those doors simply haven’t always been open.
That’s why I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Aspiring Professionals Programme run by the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF). It’s been a game-changer. SMF has not only provided access to work experience and mentoring, but also reminded me that talent exists everywhere — opportunity doesn’t.
To those who believe social mobility isn’t an urgent issue in the UK today, I’d say: take a closer look. The barriers haven’t disappeared — they’ve just become easier to ignore unless you’ve lived them. From postcode privilege to underrepresentation in top professions, too many young people are still shut out for reasons beyond their control.
We cannot afford to stop pushing for equity. I’m determined to be part of the next generation that breaks those cycles — not just for myself, but for everyone coming after me.
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