Case Study
Muthanna Jasim: My Time at Belfast Met was a Life-Changing Experience
Muthanna Jasim, a former Belfast Met student, celebrated his Higher Education graduation on Tuesday 19 November at Titanic Belfast. For Muthanna, it was a celebration in many ways – being one of the recipients of the Sanctuary Scholarship to graduate at Belfast Met.
Muthanna reminisces on his time at Belfast Met, how the College has supported his academic and personal journey, and his feelings on receiving the Sanctuary Scholarship.
What did you study at Belfast Met?
“I studied Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering).
“I want to begin by thanking all the people who have helped me along this journey, especially those who made the Sanctuary Scholarship possible. When I first arrived in Northern Ireland as an asylum seeker, I had many uncertainties, but receiving this scholarship was like a light at the end of a tunnel. It gave me the opportunity to start a new chapter in my life and pursue my studies at Belfast Met.”
How would you describe your time studying at Belfast Met?
“My time at Belfast Met was a life-changing experience. The course was challenging but also very rewarding. It gave me the skills and knowledge I needed to build a career in the tech industry, something I never thought was possible when I first arrived here.”
What were some of the highlights that you experienced while studying at Belfast Met?
“One of the highlights of my time at Belfast Met was the chance to work on real-world projects and the support from my tutors. They were always there to help, whether it was with coursework or career advice.
“I never felt alone in my studies. The support from the college, not just academically but also personally, played a huge role in shaping my experience.”
“Beyond just academics, the support from the college staff helped me to feel like I belonged.”
How did the support from Belfast Met and the tutors help shape your experience?
“The support from Belfast Met and the tutors was absolutely crucial in shaping my experience, especially because I was new to Belfast and had only arrived as an asylum seeker just six months before starting my studies.
“At that time, I was still adjusting to a completely new environment, a new culture, and a new way of life. I didn’t know anyone and everything felt uncertain. But from the moment I walked into Belfast Met, I felt a sense of welcome and understanding that really helped me settle in.”
“The tutors were incredibly supportive. They took the time to help me both academically and personally. They understood the challenges I was facing as someone who was new to the country, and they made sure I didn’t feel alone in my studies.”
“If I was struggling with the course content, they were always ready to explain things again or provide extra resources. They also offered advice on how to navigate life in Belfast and how to build my confidence in a new place.
“Beyond just academics, the support from the college staff helped me to feel like I belonged. They guided me through the practical things, like how to use public transport or what services were available to help people in my situation. This helped reduce the overwhelming feeling of being new to everything. The caring environment at Belfast Met made a huge difference and gave me the stability I needed to focus on my studies and start building my future.
“In short, the support I received from both the tutors and the college was not just about helping me pass my exams, but also about helping me build a new life in Northern Ireland. Without that support, I don’t think I would have been able to succeed the way I have. I’m so grateful for it.”
How does it feel to be one of the first Sanctuary Scholarship recipients to graduate from Belfast Met?
“It feels truly amazing and humbling to be one of the first Sanctuary Scholarship recipients to graduate from Belfast Met. When I first received the scholarship, I couldn’t imagine how much it would impact my life. To now be standing here as a graduate is not just a personal achievement, but also a milestone for others who are in similar situations. It’s a reminder that opportunities are possible, even when things seem difficult, and that education is a powerful tool for changing lives.
“Being one of the first to graduate through this scholarship makes me feel proud, not just for myself, but for all those who believed in me and supported me along the way. It gives me hope for others who are seeking to build a better future, and it shows that with determination and support, anything is possible.”
“Receiving the Sanctuary Scholarship opened my eyes to all the possibilities ahead. It gave me the courage to keep pushing forward.”
How did you feel when you found out that you would be receiving the Sanctuary Scholarship?
“When I found out that I would be receiving the Sanctuary Scholarship, I felt a mix of emotions: surprise, relief, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. At that time, I had only been in Belfast for about six months as an asylum seeker, and everything was still so new and uncertain. I hadn’t yet settled into life here, and I was unsure about my future. So, when I received the news about the scholarship, it felt like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
“It was more than just financial support. It gave me a sense of hope and belonging, knowing that someone believed in me and wanted to help me build a better future. It felt like an opportunity to prove to myself that I could succeed, even after such a difficult start. The scholarship was a lifeline that allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how I would make ends meet. It truly marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where I felt I could move forward and create a future for myself in Northern Ireland.
“Receiving the Sanctuary Scholarship opened my eyes to all the possibilities ahead. It gave me the courage to keep pushing forward.”
What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship?
“If you’re thinking about applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship, I would say: don’t hesitate. It might seem like a big leap, but it’s worth it. The scholarship provides not just financial support but also the hope and encouragement that you can succeed, no matter where you come from.”
What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to Belfast Met?
“To anyone thinking of applying to Belfast Met, I’d say: go for it. The college is welcoming, the tutors are supportive, and the courses are designed to help you succeed in the real world. It’s a place where you can truly grow, both as a student and as a person.”
What are your plans, hopes and ambitions for the future?
“As for the future, I’m excited. I plan to continue building my career in software engineering. My hope is to use the skills I’ve gained to give back to the community that has supported me. My ambition is to help others, just like I was helped, and show that no matter where you start, there’s always the possibility of success.”
“Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. A special and great thanks to Mr. Harry Robinson who welcomed me from the first day after I received the scholarship and showed his interest and stayed in contact with me for two years and remained supportive of me during that period. I couldn’t have done it without you.”