From a young carer to a qualified NHS nurse, Taylor's story shows what's possible when talented young people are given a chance.
Taylor always knew she wanted a career where she could make a difference. It was through caring for her younger sister, who has Down syndrome, that she discovered her passion for nursing. Accompanying her to hospital appointments, Taylor witnessed the compassion and kindness of healthcare professionals and saw the impact they could have on someone’s life.
“Watching the way the nurses cared for my sister made me fall in love with healthcare. I knew I wanted to be able to care for people in the same way and be someone my family could be proud of.”
After finishing college, however, she found herself unable to start a nursing degree. Due to her immigration status, she could neither work nor access student finance. With no guidance, Taylor was left to navigate the system alone, unsure what her next steps would be.
The uncertainty of her future took a heavy toll. Unable to move forward with her education, Taylor experienced depression and found it difficult to leave the house. The support of her family, alongside her faith (and Taylor Swift!), helped her hold on to hope.
While searching online for scholarships for young refugees and people seeking asylum, Taylor came across Hope for the Young. She had applied for a scholarship at university which offered a fee waiver, yet still needed financial support to cover the remaining costs of studying. When she learned her application had been successful, it marked a turning point after months of setbacks.
I cried when I got the news. All I’d been hearing was bad news. Suddenly I had a yes from the university and a yes from Hope for the Young. For the first time, it felt like not all was lost.
The grant eased the financial pressure of university, allowing Taylor to focus on her studies instead of worrying about placements and everyday study costs. As the first person in her family to attend university, graduating was a milestone shared by everyone who had supported her along the way.
After completing her studies and finally being granted refugee status, today Taylor is proudly working as a qualified children’s nurse in the NHS, fulfilling the dream that once felt impossible.
Being able to be there for people, it is a really rewarding job, sometimes I come home from a long shift, and I feel like a nurse, I have done my job
Her journey shows what becomes possible when young people seeking sanctuary are given the chance to access education and thrive.