Mike Shaft Says – Be Inspired

I arrived there in good time to look around the room and read the story of Wajiha Anjum, one of their Young Professionals. These are a group of young people who attended Oldham College in recent years and who have now moved on to either work, Apprenticeship, or University.

I was most inspired by Wajiha’s story and I asked her if I could include it on mikeshaft.com. I am delighted to say that she agreed. I hope it inspires you.

Wajiha ANJUM…Accountant…INSPIRING

When I look back I can’t believe how far I’ve come in six years.

I came to live in Oldham from Pakistan in 2001 with hardly any English and only the support of my parents.

I was 16 with few prospects of a job and no chance of a career.

I don’t think anyone close to me had a great deal of faith I was going to achieve anything and I spent a year doing housework and jobs around the house.

But I knew I wanted more. Joining a CLAIT computer course at Oldham College was the decision which changed my life.

A year later with growing confidence I signed up for four GCSE’s and the dream of becoming an accountant now seemed a possibility.

At first it was difficult to convince other people and I was faced with comments such as “you’ll never do it” and “it’s too difficult” but I was determined to make it happen.

Four years on and I’m on the verge of completing a degree in accountancy on my way to becoming professionally qualified.

The hardest thing has been convincing myself and others I was doing the right thing but the support I’ve had from tutors and my parents has helped me through, especially during the first few years.

I wanted to become something to prove to myself I’m the best I can be. I’m ambitious and even early on had a clear picture in my head of where I wanted to be.

If I was asked for my advice I would say decide on what you want to do, don’t be put off by others and stay positive when things get tough.

My life has been transformed in a very short space of time and I’m now on my way to being an accountant and hopefully running my own business in a few years time.

Have a dream and make it come true. Best thing I’ve ever done.

Best wishes,

Wajiha.

QUALIFICATIONS
2002 CLAIT Computer Course
2003 GCSEs in English,Maths, IT, and Science
2004 GNVQ Intermediate Business
2006 Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
A three year course completed in 2 years.
Manchester Metropolitian University, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance with an exemption from the first year. Graduating in 2008.

Aiming at Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) status in 2 years time.

AWARDS
Best student award in Level 2 of AAT at The Oldham College, 2005
Outstanding Achievement Award 2006 after completing the AAT