Meet the Student Voices!

Aleks

Hi, I’m Aleks based in North London. I’m currently studying for my BA in Marketing at Middlesex University and I’m in my second year of a three-year course.  When I’m not studying, I really enjoy reading classical literature and watching history documentaries.  I’m also a huge fan of 90s and 00s pop culture.  I dislike seafood and rude people on the tube.  A fun fact about myself is that I’ve broken my arm five times!

I became a Student Voice volunteer in November 2022 because in the past, I have received a lot of essential support from charities, including Thomas Pocklington Trust.  I really wanted to give something back to the community as sometimes it can feel like there are too many obstacles in the world but together, we can overcome them.  The best thing about being a Student Voice is the opportunities to partner with other organisations to create a larger impact as well as developing my communication skills.

Bilaal

My name is Bilaal Ali. I’m 22 years old and live in Sheffield. I have a condition called Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, which affects my vision and contributes to weight gain. Despite the challenges, I’ve always been determined to push forward and achieve my goals.

I’m currently studying Accounting and Finance at Sheffield Hallam University, entering my final year, and on track to graduate in 2026. I recently completed a placement year as a Junior Accountant at Nicholson & Co Accountancy in Sheffield. Alongside this, I also took part in the Get Set Progress programme with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, gaining valuable experience and personal growth.

Throughout university, I’ve been fortunate to achieve several proud milestones. I received the Inspirational Student Award, shared my story on BBC Radio Sheffield, and became a published author in the book Rising Above. My journey has also been featured in the Financial Times and Yahoo News.

Outside of academics, I enjoy an active lifestyle. I play blind football and tennis, go to the gym, swim, and enjoy walking or running in local parks. I’m also a big film enthusiast—especially superhero movies, Star Wars, sci-fi, and action-adventure genres.

I joined Student Voices because I want to inspire other blind and visually impaired students to pursue higher education and chase their dreams. Yes, there are challenges—but with hard work, determination, and the right support, success will always outweigh the struggle. The Student Voices platform gives me the opportunity to share my story and hopefully motivate others to believe in what’s possible.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey.

Faith

Hello, my name is Faith, and I am about to start my second year studying Counselling and Psychotherapy: Humanistic Approaches at the University of Derby. Outside of University, I enjoy reading on my Kindle and creative writing, mostly stories and sometimes the occasional journal. A fun fact about me is that my nanna ran a dance school and I was a student of hers for about 10 years, from ages 6-16 despite having cerebral palsy which effects my left side, making it significantly weaker than my right side, I learned many styles of dance in those 10 years, including ballet, tap, acrobatic and my favourite by far, Irish dancing.

I joined the Student Voices Group in June 2025 aiming to improve my communication skills, network with other visually impaired students and organisations and provide support to other students like me.

Khansa

Hi, I’m Khansa Maria and I’m currently studying for my PhD in Education at the University of Oxford.  My research focuses on the intersection of cultural understanding of disability, education, and employment.  I am involved with various initiatives at university to promote accessibility.  In my free time, I enjoy exploring different cuisines and contemplating the mysteries of Harry Potter.

I wanted to volunteer with Thomas Pocklington Trust because I firmly believe that we need more people with disabilities to get involved with the advocacy process.  I wanted to give back to the community and continue to learn from experts who bridge the gap between the disability community and policy makers.  In the future, I hope to continue working in the inclusion, diversion and equality field with policy makers whilst cooperating with organisations and activists.

Ramneek

Hi, I’m Ramneek. I am currently studying Design at the Royal College of Art after completing my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and I hope to combine these two passions one day and become a design engineer. I was the winner of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition 2022 where I championed for the VI community by designing MyVision, a modern day white cane enabling users to safely navigate their surroundings using AI, LiDAR and GPS technology. I have been an Accessibility Consultant on the Stemettes Youth Board and have also been shortlisted for the TechWomen100 awards 2022.

Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah. I have recently graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, with a First Class Honours degree in Creative Writing. Throughout my degree, I have undertaken a lot of advocacy work around accessibility and sight loss. My final year Undergraduate Major Writing Project was a memoir of my life before my vision significantly deteriorated, and was a continuation of two shorter memoirs, on the same subject, that I wrote for one of my second year modules. It was the writing of these memoirs and my advocacy work that made me want to pursue a career in the charity sector, specifically the sight loss sector. Outside of university, I enjoy swimming, Goalball, reading and writing (not just because of my degree!)

I became a member of Student Voices in early 2024, and I have been able to connect with other members of the VI community, as well as share my story with others. Already, I have developed skills I didn’t even realise I had and undertaken opportunities that were beyond my wildest dreams. By joining Student Voices, I hope to inspire others in the VI community to enter Further and Higher Education now, and for many other generations to come.

Sadiyah

Hello, my name is Sadiyah and I’m currently studying Maths and English at Preston College. Outside of college, I enjoy baking — especially cakes and desserts — and I love spending time watching birds. It’s something that helps me relax and feel connected to nature. One thing I’m not so keen on, though, is dogs! A fun fact about me is that I really enjoy fundraising for different charities whenever I can. I also come from a big family — I have four siblings, which always keeps life interesting!

I joined the Student Voices Group to support other people like me, raise awareness about how to better support blind and partially sighted students, and to build my confidence while meeting new people who share similar experiences.

Yanan

Hi, I’m Yanan.  I’m currently in my first year studying at the University of Sheffield for my PhD in Management. My hobbies include playing the piano, collecting perfumes, reading, travelling, and cooking.  So far, I have travelled to 12 different countries and always ensure I try the local cuisine wherever I go.  I dislike watching movies.

I became a Student Voice volunteer in December 2023 because I wanted to support others by sharing my experiences.  The best thing about Student Voices is the peer support within our group.  Already, I feel that my communication skills have improved, and I hope to further develop my organisational skills too.

Zehra

Hi, I’m Zehra from Brighton.  I am in Year 13 at college studying A Levels in Law and Sociology as well as completing my EPQ.  My hobbies include reading, swimming, tandem cycling, chess and going to the cinema or theatre.  I dislike football, mangos and romcoms.

I joined Student Voices in May 2022 because I wanted to help other visually impaired students and advocate for them to have equal access to education.  I want to ensure visually impaired students get the best experience from education so they can achieve their future aspirations.  My highlight so far has been when I was involved in the filming of the Just Like You campaign video as it was a completely new and interesting experience for me.  Through volunteering, I have improved my confidence and communication skills including public speaking which I didn’t realise I could be good at or enjoy doing before.