Student of the Year 2024

Shaqayeq Nejah, HNC Applied Science graduate, has been announced at UHI Moray's 2024 Student of the Year.

Shaqayeq’s story is both moving and humbling and reflects the strength of character and resilience she possesses.

Shaqayeq grew up in Afghanistan and went to school there until she was 18. She passed her university entry exam in 2019 and started studying English. In 2021, the Taliban attacked Afghanistan and prohibited females from having an education and attending University. This led to Shaqayeq moving to Iran where she had to wait 10 months for her Visa to be issued so she could come to the UK to continue her education.

She eventually arrived in Moray in October 2022, where she enrolled at UHI Moray to study English. A few months later in March 2023 she secured volunteering work at Dr Grays Hospital as an administrative assistant and then began supporting refugees as an interpreter for them. Shaqayeq then enrolled again at UHI Moray on to the HNC Applied Science with the prospect of going on to become a Radiographer for the NHS.

Shaqayeq was nominated by her lecturer, Susanne McLaren, who said:

“Shaqayeq brings a positive and enthusiastic attitude to the Science department, she is very hard working, focused on her studies with a never-ending thirst to learn more. She has not let English as her second language be a barrier to her learning. Shaqayeq has been a model student throughout, her attendance and engagement have been exemplary, and the quality of her work has been to a very high standard. At times she has had to translate journals into her language and then write her assessments in English, despite this her work would always be handed in on time highlighting her dedicated work ethic. With this, Shaqayeq will pass her HNC in Applied Science, providing her with the entry required for furthering her education to achieve her ambition to become a Radiographer.

Shaqayeq has formed lifelong friends with her peers, who find her supportive and encouraging within and outside of the classroom. Shaqayeq is a positive female role model who has fought for her right to an education and stood up to the inequalities she has been subjected to. Whilst also volunteering and supporting other refugee groups, she is a selfless person who should be commended for everything she has achieved.”

As well as undertaking her HNC, Shaqayeq also studied IT courses to improve her computer skills.

Shaqayeq said about her time at UHI Moray:

“It was an incredible experience to study at UHI Moray where outstanding tutors work together to increase students' knowledge. In the one year I studied here, I received continuous support from my teachers helping me expand my knowledge, understand and improve my academic writing skills. As I was new to the education system in the UK, the tutors provided me with extra support to understand the lessons. I am grateful to have been a student at UHI Moray and appreciate the tutors' hard work and dedication. I will remember UHI Moray as a pleasant experience and would highly recommend it.”

 The Student of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of a UHI Moray student ranging from academic achievement, overcoming adversity, personal endeavour and exceptional peer and mentor support. Students are nominated by staff members and will then go forward to be considered for the overall UHI award from across the partnership.