Refugee Voices - Sara

​Sara was born in Iran and arrived in the UK in September 2023. Despite Iran’s rich historical and cultural heritage, her life there became increasingly unsafe due to her Christian faith and the lack of religious freedom under the current government. Initially, her parents believed she could pursue her education abroad while still returning to Iran for holidays, however, by 2024 they recognised that it was no longer safe for her to live there or even visit. As a result, Sara remained in the UK to continue her studies and build a future that would not have been possible in Iran. 
 
Sara has had to adapt rapidly to significant changes in her life. After completing her GCSEs in the UK, she is now in Year 13 studying for her A-levels, having previously navigated the asylum process alongside her education. This period was particularly demanding, as she balanced the uncertainty of a pending Home Office interview with the pressures of predicted grades, university admissions tests, and repeated moves between cities, hotels, and schools. During this time, support from HWR, particularly with essential items when she changed schools and guidance throughout her asylum claim, helped her stay focused despite the uncertainty she was facing. 
 
In spite of these challenges, Sara has remained highly motivated academically. She has applied to four dentistry courses and one pharmacy course at university, has already received an offer in pharmacy, and is awaiting responses from the dentistry programmes. Her long-standing interest in dentistry, supported by how enjoyable her work experience was in the field, has helped her persevere with her academic work during periods of stress and low motivation. Outside her studies, she plays the guitar and piano, which she uses as a way to manage stress and maintain a balance. As Farsi is her first language, Sara continues to work hard to improve her English and hopes to find part-time work while at university to help support her mother with living expenses. 
 
Sara deeply misses her family and friends in Iran, particularly her father and other relatives whom she has not seen for three years, as well as the opportunity to travel across the country and visit its historical sites. She notes that Iranian identity is often misunderstood globally, as media coverage tends to focus on the actions of the current government. Finally, she stresses that the government does not represent the Iranian people or their culture, and that many refugees are forced to leave their home countries due to political and religious circumstances beyond their control.