Meet Manish, a dedicated learner who has faced challenges with disability and health but has continually embraced education. Now studying for a Global Doctorate in Business Administration, he has found that the right support from The Learning Support Centre helps him stay focused, confident and motivated.
“Asking for support helped me move forward with confidence”
I’ve had a long and varied journey through life, education and work. I’m someone who has always believed in learning, even when things haven’t been easy. I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way, including disability and health issues, but education has always been something I’ve wanted to continue with.
Right now, I’m focused on moving forward, improving myself, and giving something back to the community. Studying has helped me stay motivated and focused on the future.
I’m currently studying for a Global Doctorate in Business Administration (GDBA). I’ve passed my first year and I’m now halfway through my second year.
It’s a very challenging course and completely online, which suits me well. It’s demanding, but it’s also something I’m proud to be doing.
I first came across The Learning Support Centre through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). At the time, I didn’t really know what support was available or how the process worked.
Once I contacted DSA, they explained that, because of my disability, I could access funded support. They then introduced me to LSC, and that’s how everything started.
I realised that if I wanted to succeed in my studies, especially at this level, I needed the right support in place.
I have autism and I also manage ongoing health challenges. Trying to do everything alone would have been overwhelming. Asking for support felt like the right step, even though it wasn’t easy at first.
I receive support from a mentor and a study skills tutor.
I usually meet with my mentor every couple of weeks to talk through my progress, my workload, and how things are going overall. I also work with a study skills tutor, sometimes weekly, who helps me with planning, structure, academic skills, and assignments.
The support is tailored to me and to the level I’m studying at, which has been really important.
Honestly, the support has been absolutely brilliant.
The tutors I work with are professional, supportive, and very knowledgeable. They understand how demanding my course is and adapt their approach to suit my needs. I’ve learned a lot, not just academically, but also in terms of organisation, IT skills, and confidence.
It makes a big difference knowing that the people supporting you genuinely understand what you’re working towards.
Day to day, the support helps me stay focused and organised. It helps me break things down so tasks don’t feel overwhelming.
We talk through what I need to prioritise, how to manage deadlines, and how to balance my studies alongside my health and other responsibilities. That structure has been really valuable.
It’s made a big difference to my confidence.
Having someone there to support me has helped me overcome doubts and keep going, especially when things feel difficult. It’s also helped me think more positively about the future and believe that I can continue progressing in my studies.
I feel more prepared, more capable, and more supported.
I genuinely feel all of them.
The support has been inclusive, empowering, supportive, and professional throughout. It’s felt balanced and consistent, and I’ve always felt respected as an individual.
I’d say don’t be scared.
Ask for support. Be honest about what you need. If something doesn’t feel right, you can speak up and ask for adjustments. And if you don’t feel comfortable at first, give it a bit of time.
Support is there to help you move forward, not to judge you.
I’m really grateful for the ongoing support I’ve received from The Learning Support Centre.
It’s helped me continue my studies with confidence and feel supported throughout my journey. Having that support in place has made a real difference for me, and I’m thankful for it.
Words by Sumayyah Muhammad