Every Small Step Counted Until I Finally Learned to Shine By Riza
I came to VODW's classes wanting to grow, to feel stronger, more confident, and truly like myself. I wanted a place to pick up new skills, to build my confidence step by step, and to feel supported every time I tried something new. More than two years later, across ESOL, IT, Mediacom, Body Mind and Wellness, and Financial Literacy, it is clear that I found exactly what I was looking for, and then some.
I began nervous and excited in equal measure, honestly unsure whether learning new things was still possible at this stage of my life. Part of me wondered if it was too late, that learning belonged to earlier days. But deep down, I hoped that was not true, and I told myself it is never too late to grow, to try, to become more. Joining VODW proved me right. Learning, I discovered, is always possible, at any age, at any time, and I feel visible pride that I proved that to myself.
Across my classes, I learned to use computers and digital tools with real confidence, discovered the joy of creating beautiful designs in Canva, and shared my ideas in ways I had not before. But above everything else, I learned to believe in myself, to understand that I can do more than I ever thought possible. One piece of advice has stayed with me since, that it is never too late to learn, and that every step, no matter how small, counts. Those words remind me that I do not need to be perfect, only to keep going.
I describe my transformation as total, before, I doubted myself constantly, wondering if trying was even worth it. Now I see myself entirely differently. My graduation was, in my own words, so special, wearing the gown felt wonderful, and holding my certificate with my name on it meant everything, not just a piece of paper, but a symbol of every class and every ounce of confidence I found along the way.
My gratitude runs deep, to my teachers for believing in me and cheering me on, and to Unite the Union, English for Action, and VODW for creating a space where I could learn, grow, and find my confidence.
My hope for the future is generous and inspiring, to keep learning and go further than I ever dreamed, while encouraging every other domestic worker to know they can do this too, to find their strength, their voice, and their pride, because it is never too late, and every step is worth it. Let's all shine together, exactly the spirit behind VODW's mission, that no domestic worker should have to grow alone, and that the fight for rights like the freedom to change employer, to settle, and to belong fully in the UK is stronger when every worker shines alongside the next.
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