Overcoming adversity – healthcare apprentice one step closer to nursing career

Adanna Perouza is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a mental health nurse after fleeing her home country of Trinidad 10 years ago. 

The 40 year old started her journey with us in May 2025 when she studied a Level 2 Health Support Worker apprenticeship. 

From a young age, Adanna wanted to pursue a career in nursing. 

She said: “My personal experiences have inspired me to support and encourage others.

“Through both my personal journey and professional development, I want to inspire others who may be experiencing similar situations that contribute to mental health difficulties. I want them to know that recovery is possible, even if progress feels slow.”

Adanna first arrived in the UK in 2016 with her two children.

As a refugee and single mother, she navigated multiple challenges, balancing family responsibilities alongside work in a full-time clinical role and education. 

In addition to her studies, Adanna also volunteered with the Salvation Army where she helped with cooking and supported local community groups. 

She has since successfully completed her apprenticeship, achieving a Merit grade as well as gaining her Level 2 English Language qualification, and gone on to secure employment as a crisis team apprentice within the Leeds and York NHS Foundation Trust.

She also received the Star Award at our tenth annual Star Awards ceremony – celebrating the success of learners across the college community, where she was recognised for her work ethic and achievements at college in spite of difficult circumstances. 

Her tutor, Delfina Uszynska, commended her hard work, saying: “Adanna has grown so much, particularly in her communication skills and self-belief, while overcoming huge personal challenges along the way.

“She is a complete role model to fellow students, and I am so proud to have her in my cohort. As a teacher, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Adanna hopes to become a registered mental health nurse in the future. 

Reflecting on her experience at the college, she said: “The support I received from my tutor, Delfina, alongside the knowledge and skills I gained throughout the course, has helped me believe in my abilities and move closer to achieving my dream of becoming a mental health nurse.

“Coming to the UK as a refugee was one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but education gave me hope, purpose, and the confidence to rebuild my future. 

“My apprenticeship has helped me turn some of the hardest experiences I have faced into strengths that help me support others.”