Podiatry graduate Sinqobile overcomes challenges to strive to success
Podiatry student, Sinqobile Pasipanodya, shows anything is possible as she graduates from the University of Salford with a degree in BSc Podiatry.
Sinqobile, 36, from Zimbabwe, faced numerous challenges during her studies which saw her struggling with modules during the course and resitting some assessments.
She was attracted to podiatry after finding out more about what it involves and the impact podiatrists have on all aspects of their patients’ lives: “It’s not a profession many people come across. It’s been great explaining to people what podiatry is and how varied the specialisms are; it isn’t just about cutting toenails!”
The University of Salford’s reputation and clinical facilities were some of the reasons Sinqobile chose to study at the University, as she explains how the lecturers massively helped her: “The lecturers were on hand to support me and constantly encouraging me to keep going. Being a mature student is a challenge, but they never made me feel uncomfortable.
“I failed a few modules along the way and had to re-sit in the summer. Sometimes it felt like I was so set back and I nearly dropped out.”
She kept going despite encountering numerous challenges and shared some important advice for students: “Communicate, Communicate! There is no harm in saying when you are struggling. Extra help is always available, whether it be academic or financial.
“There is always help in most areas of life. The likelihood is that whatever you are going through, someone has been through it too.”
Sinqobile hopes to work in the NHS and even study a master’s in Diabetes care. “I’m going to take a short break and then hope to work in the NHS. I am very passionate about diabetes and the care and management of it. I would like to specialise in it and educate people.”
Read more about the course Sinqobile studied here.
