How marriage, motherhood didn’t deter Ayana from academic pursuit in Scotland

Most women who become homemakers after marriage and childbirth don't return to their studies. However, Ayana Anjumon defied this norm. At 36, she not only restarted her education in a foreign country but also achieved an academic honour never before attained by an Indian, showcasing the power of hard work. Juggling sleepless nights, childcare, and household responsibilities, Ayana tasted success in Scotland.

Hailing from Kerala, Ayana achieved record marks in MSc Big Data from Glasgow Caledonian University, becoming the first Indian woman to earn this distinction. Out of 60 students enrolled, including Ayana, less than 10 managed to complete the rigorous three-semester program.

Moving to a new country at 36 for studies, Ayana couldn't have envisioned such a significant achievement. "Resuming studies at that age was the most challenging decision of my life," she reflects.

Fourteen years had passed since Ayana last pursued academics. Yet, her dream of higher education remained alive through marriage and motherhood. Ayana's journey was empowered by unwavering support from her husband, mother, and sister. "My husband encouraged higher studies after our marriage. It took 14 years to fulfil that dream. I desired an overseas education, but our son's birth postponed those plans," Ayana shares.

"Canada was a popular choice then, but leaving my son behind wasn't an option. I decided to explore possibilities once he grew older," she adds. A few years on, Ayana began researching suitable courses. "We researched universities independently, without agencies or agents," she emphasizes.

At the time, Ayana worked for a multinational company in Kuwait. She made the bold decision to resign from her well-paying job to pursue her academic aspirations. Finally, in September 2023, Ayana embarked on her journey to Scotland. "Despite being a wife and a mother, I constantly reminded myself that I was a student," she states.

"Having graduated with an engineering degree in 2009, I had a significant gap in my education. Naturally, I faced numerous questions about it. Additionally, the student visa process involved extensive verification," Ayana explains. She handled all interactions with the university directly. They even scrutinized her work experience before granting admission. With formalities complete, Ayana travelled to the UK with her son.

"Upon arriving, my monthly income stopped. Life in Kuwait felt luxurious in retrospect. But my commitment to education remained strong. I briefly held a part-time job in Scotland but quit, finding it challenging to balance work and studies," Ayana reveals. She realized the course's difficulty when a majority of her classmates struggled to cope. "The syllabus was tough, but I was determined to succeed, not back down," she affirms.

The second trimester brought heightened challenges as project work commenced. "Balancing household chores, childcare, studies, and project work was demanding," she admits. Initially, Ayana and her son stayed with relatives in Scotland. When her husband joined them, they began searching for a house. "Finding a rental in the UK is no easy feat. It took six months. We also encountered health issues due to the climate change. Yet, my faith in hard work never wavered," she emphasizes.

Ayana's university schedule included online and offline classes. "Mornings were for online classes, followed by offline sessions at the university. I utilized the 30-minute train journey for project work and writing assignments," she explains. Ayana's dedication yielded remarkable results. She excelled in all subjects during the challenging trimester, a feat many couldn't achieve. Additionally, she secured a volunteer opportunity with Scottish Tech Army, a renowned company.

After university each day, Ayana focused on project work at home, often with her son asleep beside her. "Many nights were spent crying alone. When doubts crept in about completing the course, an inner voice urged me towards success," she confides. Receiving her degree at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall brought back a flood of memories and emotions. "I'm grateful for my family's support. My parents gave me wings, and my husband stood by me through self-doubt. If I can succeed, anyone can. It takes desire, confidence, and effort," Ayana asserts.

Ayana's journey inspired another woman to resume her education after a long gap. "A South African woman, settled in the UK for years, had her children in my son's school and college. Hearing my story motivated her to restart her student life," Ayana shares with pride.

Her advice to aspiring learners, regardless of age, is simple yet powerful: "Never believe you're too old to learn. You're always young enough to chase your dreams. Education is a lifelong need. Self-belief and dedication are key to success at any age." Ayana's story is an empowering testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge.