Shayda Darwish

After years of torment from bullies, Shayda was forced to leave school before finishing her A Levels. With dreams of becoming a barrister, The Open University’s (OU) open entry policy allowed her to reclaim her education and take control of her future.

Now, at 23, Shayda from Folkestone has just finished her first year of a Bachelor (Honours) of Law with distinction and has gained valuable work experience that has moved her closer to her goal.

“Back in 2012 when I started secondary school, I wasn’t the most confident 11-year-old, but I was determined to create the best experience I could,” Shayda said.

“Year 7 started really well and I met some amazing people, but my experience sadly took an unexpected turn as the years went on and unfortunately it didn’t work out how I’d pictured. I was faced with years of severe bullying for the duration of my time at school.

“When I got to 16 years old, I’d had an especially tough time at school, which cumulated in an ambulance being called to my house, as my friend’s parents were concerned I’d taken an overdose. After this day, I began telling my parents everything and they finally learnt the severity of my situation. Without my parent’s love and support I never would have made it to where I am today.

I didn’t last much longer at school and only made it halfway through my first year of sixth form. I walked through the school gates and I never went back.”

Second chance at education

After leaving school, Shayda started helping her dad with his restaurant. An appearance in court where she represented the business, introduced Shayda to a new world and inspired her to research routes into law.

I wanted to find out how I could go to university without A Levels and that’s when the OU came up. My dad was the one who said if you don’t do it, you’ll never know whether you’ll enjoy it or how easy it is. And here I now am, I’ve finished one year already. I’m so glad I listened.”

Through Shayda’s studies, she’s been able to embrace new opportunities, like volunteering at her local court and speaking in front of a women’s networking group.

“My degree has made me feel like I’ve got something for me. It’s given me a newfound confidence to apply for anything that comes my way, like the shadowing experience at Canterbury Crown Court.

“Even though I’ve worked with my dad, I’ve always known that’s not what I want to do in the long term. The OU has given me a chance to start again. No one can take my education away. I’ve proven to myself and to everyone else that I can do it.

“Once I’ve graduated, I’d like to move to London to study the Bar exam. My goal is to become a barrister in America. I’d also love to set up my own association to advocate for more diversity in the legal industry.”

You have the power

Shayda shares her advice for anyone who has been impacted by bullying or has faced a challenging past.

“Never regret your past if you wouldn’t change the life you have today. I really hated my time at secondary school until it got to the stage where I didn’t see the point of life anymore. But without the experience, I never would have left school, worked with my parents and had the opportunity to go to the OU.

“I’m so proud that after seven years, sharing my story doesn’t make me sad anymore. I’m grateful to my dad and my friend Katelyn who I met through the OU for giving me the confidence to share my experience with others. It happened and I moved on, but looking at the life I have now, I wouldn’t change a single thing.