Saadia Fatima
MA Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs, 2014
About me
- Student Counselour at Insight International School, India
- Studied: MA Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs, 2014
About my career
After I completed my Early Childhood Special Education course in India, my Head of Department Ms Shalialja Rao motivated and guided me to pursue a Masters in Special Educational Needs. She kept insisting that I should travel to UK and study as she was aware of the courses provided in UK universities and their level of advancement in the Special Education field. I found this course in one of the best city of the world Manchester, which not only suited my needs about also campus was very welcoming. At Manchester Met I never felt detached from my culture as it has an outstanding Students’ Union, which allows you to experience the multicultural events and stay connected with all the international students.
Once I returned from Manchester, I was appointed as an English teacher for second language adult students in MAR institute Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Studying with such a diverse set of students in my Masters, gave me confidence and assisted me in comprehending the issues of learning disabilities. Also, the extra classes I attended for enhancing my study skills such as academic writing and assistive technology were fantastic. These skills lead me to support and guide the adult English learning students with efficiency.
Later, I applied for Student Counselor role at Insight International School affiliated with Cambridge University. As a Student Counselor, I ensure my students are supported with an academic achievement plan, social and emotional well being, learning disabilities have IEP, and career guidance workshops.
I feel fortunate to have had such an experience at Manchester Met which has made me competent, skilled, flexible and compassionate about what I love to do. Time management skills, discipline, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, being passionate (on which I rely everyday for my counseling sessions) are some of the skills I have developed from my time at Manchester Met. I worked in a school as Islamic Studies teacher for three weeks in Saudi Arabia during my Winter break in order to understand how learning difficulties differ in multicultural class, how English as Second Language young learners are supported in the class, and how inclusion looks in a class room.
It’s been amazing how much I have achieved with the skills and opportunities Manchester Met provided me. Whilst working as Student Ambassador I learnt how important it is for young students to experience university life through the eyes of the current students and to be aware of different courses that will motivate them to pursue higher education. As a student counselor these experiences enhanced my work in providing a distinctive support system for my students.
Now I am pursuing my Master in School Counseling from Indian Institute Of School Psychology, School Counselling and Guidance (IISPSCG).
My top tip for students
Utilise your time in learning, observing, critical reading to gain in-depth understanding, relationship building with your teams, and taking initiative to experience something new, challenge your self and be a global citizen.
I’m inspired by
My tutors Peter and Rachel, who inspired me by being so considerate and courteous. The way they took care of all the international students in the class has inspired me to create a class where every student feels and enjoys being included.
Why I love Manchester Met
Manchester Met being in the centre of the city from where you can access train stations, restaurants, markets is a mini ‘world’ in itself.