Resilience, dedication and a caring nature has earned nursing degree apprentice Musa Cham a top award at the University of Leeds.
Musa, who graduated this week with a FdSc Nursing Associate (Foundation Degree in Science) was awarded Apprentice of the Year by the University’s Partnership Award.
Musa fitted his studies around shifts at the Leeds and York Partnership Mental Health Trust and supporting his wife Fatoumata care for his two children, his six year-old son Phoday and his two-and-a-half year-old daughter Aisha.
“My daughter has health issues as she was born with Downs Syndrome and can often wake up in the night,” said Musa. “So I would take over to give Fatoumata a rest.
“Sometimes I did some studying when I was on a night shift and everyone was asleep. Or I would find a quiet area within the hospital where I could work on my assignment when I had a bit of spare time.”
Perseverence and resilience
Musa, who spent two years studying for his degree apprenticeship, said he couldn’t believe it when he heard he had won Apprentice of the Year and the University’s Partnership award.
“I was really surprised and emotional. Balancing work and studying was very challenging but it shows how my perseverance and resilience paid off,” he said.
Musa has had to be resilient all his life but his caring nature has always shone through. Born in Gambia and raised in Germany, Musa came over to the UK in 2007 to support a cousin who needed help with a poorly child. He ended up settling in Leeds after meeting and marrying Fatoumata.
After working for the Trust for seven years as a support worker, Musa deciding to gain more qualifications. He explained: “My motivation was to do more for the people I work with. My life has always been about supporting the vulnerable.”
My daddy’s a superhero!
He now works on an acute mental health ward for the over 65s, some of whom suffer with dementia. “Some stay for long periods of time but others improve and go back to the community. I find it very satisfying doing this type of work. They can be very unwell and it is great to see them go back to their homes,” he said.
Musa has nothing but praise for staff at the Lifelong Learning Centre who supported him as someone returning to studies in his late 40s with family responsibilities.
“The team at the Lifelong Learning Centre were amazing. I would not be graduating without them. They are very compassionate and gave me so much encouragement. There were days when I wanted to quit, but they gave me a lot of support to keep going,” he said.
“It gives you a real sense of achievement to fulfil your goal. It gives you the confidence to support patients and help them get better which is what it is all about.”
Musa was joined at his graduation ceremony by his wife, sister and children, where his proud son Phoday said: “My daddy’s a superhero!”
Access opportunities
Donna Howard, Deputy Programme Manager at the Lifelong Learning Centre, which aims to create opportunities for adults to access higher education, said: “Musa has been an exceptional student. His commitment to the course, his peers and the patients in his care has been inspirational.
“He has managed to successfully balance his working and personal life with such grace that everyone who knows him is in awe. It has been a privilege to see Musa grow and develop over the two year nursing associate apprenticeship. His contributions, particularly to equality and diversity will be his lasting legacy.”
Further information
For further information, please contact Jane Lewis in the University of Leeds press office at j.lewis@leeds.ac.uk