I arrived there in good time to look around the room and read the story of Wajiha Anjum, one of their Young Professionals. These are a group of young people who attended Oldham College in recent years and who have now moved on to either work, Apprenticeship, or University.

I was most inspired by Wajiha's story and I asked her if I could include it on mikeshaft.com. I am delighted to say that she agreed. I hope it inspires you.

When I look back I can't believe how far I've come in six years.

I came to live in Oldham from Pakistan in 2001 with hardly any English and only the support of my parents.

I was 16 with few prospects of a job and no chance of a career.

I don't think anyone close to me had a great deal of faith I was going to achieve anything and I spent a year doing housework and jobs around the house.

But I knew I wanted more. Joining a CLAIT computer course at Oldham College was the decision which changed my life.

A year later with growing confidence I signed up for four GCSE’s and the dream of becoming an accountant now seemed a possibility.

At first it was difficult to convince other people and I was faced with comments such as "you'll never do it" and "it's too difficult" but I was determined to make it happen.

Four years on and I'm on the verge of completing a degree in accountancy on my way to becoming professionally qualified.

The hardest thing has been convincing myself and others I was doing the right thing but the support I've had from tutors and my parents has helped me through, especially during the first few years.

I wanted to become something to prove to myself I'm the best I can be. I'm ambitious and even early on had a clear picture in my head of where I wanted to be.

If I was asked for my advice I would say decide on what you want to do, don't be put off by others and stay positive when things get tough.

My life has been transformed in a very short space of time and I'm now on my way to being an accountant and hopefully running my own business in a few years time.

Have a dream and make it come true. Best thing I've ever done.

Best wishes,

Wajiha.