She recalled being treated as the child who was simply left alone
A Burnley student who was told she would never pass her GCSEs has graduated with a law degree after overcoming academic setbacks and mental health challenges.
Muskaan Sayed is now preparing to begin a Master’s degree, proving that determination can overcome low expectations.
Muskaan Sayed graduated with a 2:1 in Law from the University of Salford on July 15, 2026.
The former Sir John Thursby Community College student said teachers once told her she would never pass her GCSEs or make it to college.
She attended Heasandford Primary School before moving to Sir John Thursby and later studied at Nelson and Colne College.
Looking back, Muskaan, when she was a young student, said she often felt overlooked during her school years.
She recalled being treated as the child who was simply left alone instead of being encouraged to reach her potential.
Her path to graduation was not straightforward.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, teacher-assessed grades meant she failed several GCSE subjects and had to resit her exams.
After completing her summer resits, she enrolled at Nelson and Colne College, where she achieved A* grades.
She then began studying law at the University of Liverpool.
However, moving away from East Lancashire for the first time affected her mental health, leading her to leave the course.
Muskaan later restarted her studies at the University of Salford, where she completed her degree.
As well as being a student, Muskaan worked two jobs to support herself financially.
She also saved money for postgraduate study and learned to drive while completing her degree.
She said there were many moments when she doubted she would reach graduation.
Despite the challenges, she remained focused on achieving her long-term goals.
Muskaan will begin a Master’s degree in Liverpool in September 2026.
She hopes to specialise in commercial and corporate law while also supporting women, immigrants and other vulnerable people navigating the legal system.
She said her interest in law began after teachers often joked that she should become a lawyer because she enjoyed defending her point of view.
That comment stayed with her and eventually shaped her career ambitions.
Muskaan also thanked the teachers who believed in her throughout her education, including staff from Heasandford Primary School, Sir John Thursby Community College and Nelson and Colne College.
Her journey serves as a reminder that early setbacks do not define future success, with perseverance and resilience helping her achieve a milestone that many once believed was out of reach.
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