ARU graduate to become a social worker after leaving care in 2016
A new Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) graduate has gone from being in care to becoming a social worker and hopes to give something back to children and young people.
Casandra (Cassie) Solola celebrated her graduation at Chelmsford Cathedral along with thousands of her fellow ARU students in Chelmsford this week, having decided to go back into education at the age of 24 and become a social worker.
Having moved to the UK from Nigeria with her mother at the age of four, Cassie experienced racism at school and challenges at home before entering the care system. Cassie was in care between 2005 to 2016, first with foster carers then living in supported accommodation.
Throughout her course at ARU, Cassie worked significant hours in a retail job, juggling it with her studies and her social work placements, as well as learning to drive. During her time as a social work student at ARU, Cassie has been a Race Equality Advocate, helping organise workshops and events looking at the socio-economic context of race and racism. She was also a student ambassador at ARU, and a student rep for her course.
Now 28, Cassie will now work for Essex County Council's Children in Care team, supporting children and families.
Cassie, who grew up in Essex, said:
"Training as a social worker has helped me understand my own experiences of social workers. My experience has been incredibly restorative. The Money Advice Service at ARU has been a huge assistance, and the Social Work tutors supported me throughout.
"I know there will be days when I may need emotional support and a tissue! But I am ready. If I can give something back after the support I have been given, it will be fantastic."
