Disabled Leaders Network member, Wasim, tells us about his recent awards, and the significance of these achievements to his current studies and work.
“I was invited to the University of Law Excellence Awards and was awarded the following:
- Significant Achievement Award (Postgraduate Category), Highly Commended for Extra Curricular Excellence (Postgraduate Category) and Highly Commended for the Volunteering Award (Postgraduate Category)
Although this academic year has been exceptionally difficult following multiple bereavements which have impacted me substantially, I opted to continue my studies to develop my resilience further.
The Significant Achievement Award recognises individuals for achievements made under difficult circumstances and will have achieved personal/academic goals against all odds. I am grateful to have received this in recognition of my journey and hope it inspires anybody who is struggling whilst on their journey. I am sincerely grateful to the Snowdon Trust, Disabled Leaders Network and GDI Hub for contributing to my journey, making me feel included, valuing my opinion, answering my questions and being great people and organisations overall. I dedicated this award to my father, whom I always admired for having the seemingly innate ability to overcome any obstacle that came his way.
I was Highly Commended for Extra Curricular Excellence (Postgraduate Category) which is awarded to students who have made additional achievements in activities outside of their academic studies, showing determination and commitment. Although I did not win the award, I was recognised for my achievements of winning numerous intensely competitive opportunities, including Mini Pupillages, Barrister Mentorships, Judicial Marshalling and being a Finalist in the University of Law Plea in Mitigation Competition (Sponsored by No5 Chambers).
I was Highly Commended for the Volunteering Award (Postgraduate Category), which is awarded to students who undertake volunteering activities and dedicate time to good causes outside of their studies, illustrating commitment and being positive and supportive role models. I was recognised for being the Outreach Officer for Bringing Disability to the Bar (BDABAR), an initiative that will apply for charity status soon. Here I network with Barrister’s Chambers, Courts and Barristers in order to utilise the network and opportunities for Disabled Aspiring Barristers. I was also recognised for mentoring and supporting my peers in their journey. Further, my voluntary work with the University’s Pro Bono Clinic which I thoroughly enjoy was recognised, where I support vulnerable people in the Courts. Recently, this has been at the Family Court in Birmingham where I have assisted in drafting court letters, client-care letters, attendance notes, briefs for barristers and attended court.
There were over 130 people in attendance at the Awards Ceremony, with additional people watching live on Facebook. The ceremony was held at Carisbrooke Hall in London, where I had the opportunity to address the attendees 3 times and highlighted the importance of recognising, supporting and respecting one another’s journeys, problems and humanity. I believe this message was vital as we all tend to live fast-paced lives, which sadly affects how we deal with one another and has a knock-on effect on people who are struggling. I encouraged all struggling to talk with someone and access help at the University and externally and never to be ashamed about doing so. I highlighted that we might see another’s issues or problems as small or even as a joke and reminded on the importance of recognising each other’s diverse origins and diverse abilities and recognising that even a single kind word can make all the difference to others. The message resonated with the majority of students whom I did not know as I was one of approximately 5 students from Birmingham in attendance, with the rest being from the London, London Bloomsbury and Manchester Campus. I was approached by several students and staff who appreciated that I had highlighted this message and encouraged me to carry on spreading this message.”
To find out more about these awards, you can go to: https://studentsunion.law.ac.uk/su-awards-2023
Disabled Leaders Network Blog 