Aria’s story

Careers support helped Aria take her next steps during a difficult time.

After leaving a long-term relationship and her job in Pembrokeshire, Aria found herself at a turning point.

At the same time, Aria was managing significant personal challenges. She is transgender and had recently started living more openly as herself.

Aria said, “This was all within the course of three months. And I’d had to deal with my best friend's death as well. I was quite early in my transition at this point too.”

Alongside this, Aria had undiagnosed health concerns, including coeliac disease, which made day‑to‑day life and budgeting difficult.

She explained, "Not having money started to make me quite depressed. I felt bad relying on my parents. I knew I needed to take my life into my own hands."

Finding support

Aria had been teaching herself to code and had developed an interest in physics and computing, but without stable income, she needed a clearer plan for her future.

She was referred to Working Wales by her Universal Credit work coach and began meeting with a Working Wales careers adviser, Claire.

During their sessions, Claire reviewed Aria’s qualifications and explained her options. Aria realised her previous IT studies meant she could apply for a degree.

She said, "When I was younger, I always said I didn’t want to continue my education. I didn’t think I needed to.

"But when Claire told me my grades were good enough to go to university, something just clicked.”

“Suddenly, I saw university as an opportunity to start living freely and put my effort into something I actually wanted to do.”

Claire encouraged her to explore the opportunity further.

A new direction

Within a few months, Aria had applied and secured a place on a computer science degree in Swansea.

She said, "I’m really glad I chose to do the foundation year. It’s given me the space and time I need to settle in and adjust.

“I'm dealing with undiagnosed health conditions, my breakup, my best friend's death. It’s given me the time I need to really, really do my best.”

Aria now feels optimistic about her future, "I feel fulfilled. I really do. I feel like I’ve got a purpose in my life now."

Looking ahead

Aria has ambitious plans. She hopes to continue her studies beyond her bachelor’s degree. She would like to work at a professional level within computing and research.

She said, "Without a doubt, the support gave me the direction and the boost I needed.

"Claire showed me my options and let me run with them. She encouraged me in the right direction. I wouldn’t have done it without her."

If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.

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