“Not just a Mum”

After raising a family pushed her own career aspirations aside, full-time mother of 3 Jamilla took up education to set an example to her children, despite battling health hurdles.

For lots of people, motherhood and family life can take over, leaving little time to focus on individual career goals. Until 2020, Jamilla Robinson was one of those people.

“I never really thought about attending university after I left college because I started working straight away and then I started my family,” Jamilla says.

“Recently though, since my children are older, I’ve wanted to do something for myself. I wanted to prove to myself that I could go to university to build on my knowledge, and that I was not just a mum.”

With the aim to enter the mental health sector, Jamilla enrolled on a degree in Health and Social Care at UWTSD Birmingham. But mid-way through her course, she was diagnosed with a challenging physical condition that threatened her ability to study.

“I was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) just before starting level five. I didn’t think I’d be able to continue with my studies, as this disease makes you very unwell at times and I was self-conscious of my coughing, which can get really bad.

“My diagnosis made me nervous, but as it turns out, I did not need to worry, as the disability team at the university was amazing and gave me so much assistance and information. It’s still a struggle some days with my COPD, but it’s such a relief knowing that I have help and support from UWTSD, allowing me to continue my journey through education.”

Jamilla enjoyed all aspects of the course, but ended up taking particular interest in the Physiology module which helped her deal with her own health condition, as well as help others in a career she never thought she’d be able to attain.

“The course had a big impact on bringing out my confidence in myself and what I am capable of doing. I didn’t think I would have a professional future, but it has shown me that I do and can.

“I’m the first in my family to go to university, and now my son has followed in my footsteps which has made me incredibly proud. It’s proof that my decision to enrol was the right one, not just for myself but also for my children and those around me.”

Further Information

Ella Staden

Press and Media Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: ella.staden@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07384467078