“I want to be a role model for people like me”: Inspirational care leavers graduate

Two ‘inspirational’ care leavers graduate from university to pursue careers in health and social work.

New Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) graduate Cassie Solola went from being in care to becoming a social worker, hoping to give something back to children and young people after a positive experience with two social workers growing up.

Having moved to the UK from Nigeria with her mother at the age of four, Cassie experienced racism at school and challenges at home before entering the care system. Cassie was in care between 2005 to 2016, first with foster carers then living in supported accommodation.

Now 28, Cassie will work for Essex County Council’s Children in Care team, supporting children and families.

“I have always wanted to work with young people in care and use my care experience in my work as a practitioner,” Cassie said.

“I had two wonderful social workers growing up, but as a young person in care, you don’t necessarily understand the processes.

“Training as a social worker has helped me understand my own experiences of social workers. My experience has been incredibly restorative.

“I know there will be days when I may need emotional support and a tissue! But I am ready. If I can give something back after the support I have been given, it will be fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Dr Becs Bradford achieved her dream of becoming doctor graduating with a degree in Medicine from the University of Bristol.

At just 12 years old, Becs’s family had moved from Coventry to France when her father fell from a ladder and became impaled on a branch, leaving him paralysed from the neck down. They lost their family home and Becs ended up in care. She left school at 15 with no qualifications, but never lost her zeal to help others.

Now, aged 41, Becs has officially received her degree in Medicine from the University of Bristol.

“When I was young I was constantly told I would amount to nothing, that I was stupid. I got sick of people telling me I couldn’t do things because I was a care leaver. I wanted to prove that people like me do deserve good things, that they can get jobs that are fulfilling and well paid.”

Now Dr Bradford uses her life experiences to better understand patients and mentors people from “non-traditional backgrounds like me” to get places at the University of Bristol.

“I want to be a role model for people like me,” Becs said. “I want to show them that you are worthy and that it doesn’t matter where you come from, that it can be done. People along the way will say it can’t, but you have to ignore them.

“It feels quite surreal to be graduating after all these years! It really does feel like a dream come true. I'm proud of myself for never giving up along the way and I hope my journey can inspire others to follow their hearts in the same way.

“It doesn’t matter when you get there, never give up on yourself!”

Prof Tansy Jessop, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at the University of Bristol, praised Becs’s achievements.

“Becs has achieved so much, and so often against the odds.

“Becs is not only inspirational, but her story shows the transformative power of education. Becs, your university is proud of you!”