Chinwendu, 43, worked as a teacher in Nigeria for over 15 years but chose to expand her skillset and knowledge by moving to the UK to experience teaching in another country. As a religious woman, Chinwendu was attracted to Leeds Trinity due to its Catholic foundations and its reputation for high-quality teacher training.

However, studying at the University’s Main Campus in Horsforth meant moving 4,500 miles away from at-the-time home of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State in Nigeria, and being briefly separated from her husband and four children until they were able to join her in the UK towards the end of 2023.

Chinwendu said: “It was a huge decision, and I didn’t know how they were going to cope. I'd been with them a very long time and, suddenly, I was going to be many miles away. It was a big struggle and emotionally draining, as it was hard to concentrate when I didn’t know what was going on with them at all times. Days felt more like weeks, and I remember crying a lot, especially during the first phase of being here when I was also trying to adjust to a new environment.”

Chinwendu made use of Leeds Trinity’s student support system whilst away from her family, which helped her connect with fellow Nigerian students to provide some much-needed home comforts and encouragement. That network helped Chinwendu remain positive during her studies, which required her to adapt to new teaching methods. Having previously worked in schools with limited resources, Chinwendu found that it took some time to incorporate practical-based teaching and the use of technology into her lesson plans, but now feels she is making good progress in utilising new assets.

Boosted by the eventual arrival of her husband and children – which brought its own challenges as they looked for a place to live – Chinwendu continued to impress her lecturers and mentors with her theoretical and practical work, as well as her ability to take on advice and information regarding specific students and approaches to teaching. Her work earned her a pass in Secondary Education Science with Physics (11-16), which helped her secure a job as a secondary school teacher in Kent.

Chinwendu said: “I am so happy to be graduating because at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish the course. It has been a crazy experience with a lot of pressure, but I just had to keep going and I’m glad I did. My time at Leeds Trinity has taught me key skills in organisation and preparation, which I use every day in the school I am working in now. I’m still working on improving in other areas, but I’m in a very supportive school which will be a good place for me to continue learning.”

Caroline Neuberg, Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education (Science) at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Prior to arriving in the UK, Chinwendu was a dedicated teacher in Nigeria but made a tremendous sacrifice by leaving behind her life to pursue her passion for teaching science here in the UK. The way she embraced that challenge and adjusted to a new culture, both socially and professionally, was inspiring. She remained resilient and positive throughout her time at Leeds Trinity and her hard work and determination have led to remarkable progress in her teaching career. I wish Chinwendu the best of luck in the future.”

For more information about education courses at Leeds Trinity, visit the University’s School of Education webpage.