STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2008
Josephine Gabi
Manchester Metropolitan University
WINNER OF
Xcel Student of the Year & Xcel Creative Arts and Media Student of the Year
Xcel Education Student of the Year
Josephine Gabi (left) receiving her award from Deidre Quill (right) from the CWDC
Josephine Gabi from Manchester Metropolitan University won this year’s Xcel Education Student of the Year award. Josephine won the award for her excellent academic ability and the dedication she has shown to her course in the face of difficult circumstances.
In 2007, Josephine achieved a First class honours degree in Early Childhood Studies. Having demonstrated a natural aptitude for her subject, she decided to continue her studies through a Master of Research (MRes) degree and has just been accepted for a studentship to study for a PhD.
Josephine’s success and optimistic attitude is a testament to what a person can achieve even in harrowing circumstances. It is this that makes her an Xcel award-winner and an exceptional individual.
Josephine started her career in education as a teacher in her native Zimbabwe. Josephine came to the UK as a political refugee, leaving her family behind. This has been incredibly difficult for her, as she has had to live with the uncertainty of her family’s safety back in Zimbabwe. This culminated in the tragic death of Josephine’s father during her final examinations. Josephine showed enormous strength of character during this time and has never allowed her personal circumstances be seen as an obstacle to her ultimate goal of achieving the highest academic qualifications possible.
Like all of our winners, Josephine recognises the support she has received from her family and university that have made her achievements possible: “I would like to thank my husband and children for always being there for me and encouraging me. I also appreciate the support I got from the staff at the Institute of Education Manchester Metropolitan University.” Josephine said she was “so excited and felt highly honoured to receive the Xcel Education Student of the Year Award.”
I’m positive the awards will inspire other students who are facing challenges.
Josephine’s success and optimistic attitude is a testament to what a person can achieve even in harrowing circumstances. It is this that makes her an Xcel award-winner and an exceptional individual. On what the Xcel awards can do for others, Josephine states: “I’m positive the awards will inspire other students who are facing challenges. I am compelled to borrow from Barack Obama; ‘Yes we can to success, to victory and to prosperity. Yes we can!’ Just stay focused and all will fall in place regardless of what challenges one faces. Yes, we can!”
Interview by: Emily Crane
