Anas Jamal Jarrar

How Anas is chasing his dream of becoming a vet

When Anas Jamal Jarrar moved to the UK in July 2023, he was leaving behind everything he knew to start a new chapter in his life. Now 29 years old, Anas began his ESOL studies at Leicester College at the age of 28 and is working towards his dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Having successfully completed Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2 ESOL within one year, Anas has developed his reading, writing, speaking and listening skills whilst adapting to life in a new country.

Building a new future in the UK

Originally from Jordan, Anas moved to the UK due to personal circumstances and faced the challenge of settling into an unfamiliar environment and building a new life for himself.

“Moving to the UK was a very big change but I feel comfortable and peaceful here. I love living in the UK and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”

Before coming to Britain, Anas studied radiation technology at university for two years. However, he soon realised that the course wasn’t the right fit for him.

“I wanted to study arts and design. My parents said, ‘We’ll support you in whatever you want to do - just do something,’” he laughed.

“During the coronavirus pandemic, I changed universities and studied multimedia and design, but because of my situation, I came to the UK before graduating.”

Despite the setbacks, Anas never lost sight of his true passion: animals.

“I’ve always been obsessed with animals, especially cats and tortoises. Becoming a vet had always been my dream.”

He hopes to continue his studies at university in the future, with the ambition of studying veterinary medicine in Scotland. Anas is confident that, with determination and the right grades, he will achieve his goal of becoming a veterinarian. At the same time, he has other ambitions for his future, including working in the aviation industry as a flight attendant and potentially starting his own business selling Arabic sweets.

Finding his place at Leicester College

When Anas first arrived in Leicester, he was unsure about how the British education system worked. With support from a friend, he discovered Leicester College and applied for an ESOL course.

“I was confused and didn’t really understand the studying system in the UK, but my friend helped me. Two months after my interview, I found out that I had been accepted and I was so happy. I felt like I was finally starting to do something with my life and becoming a student in the UK.”

Anas still remembers the kindness of the staff who welcomed him to the College.

“My teachers were very friendly and supportive from the beginning. They encouraged me to take things step by step and helped me improve my vocabulary and confidence.”

The course structure allowed him to develop all aspects of his English.

“We studied four days per week and covered reading, writing, speaking and listening. We also explored lots of different topics, which made the lessons interesting.”

Achieving success and building confidence

One of the highlights of Anas’ time at Leicester College was taking part in the College’s reading challenge competition.

“The first time I entered, I came second and my friend had come first. I remember clapping from my heart for her because I was proud of her and to be part of it.”

Determined to improve, Anas entered the competition again while studying Level 2 and this time won first place.

“After that experience, I became much more confident and started participating in more activities. I’m very thankful to my teacher, Andrea, for encouraging me.”

Anas also credits his teachers, including Andrea, Beata, Khalid, Saira, Philip and James, as well as Nick, the ESOL course manager, for helping him settle into life in the UK and supporting him throughout his studies.

“They were all so kind and supportive. I am especially grateful to Nick, who always encouraged me with his kind and positive words and helped me believe in myself and my abilities.”

“ESOL helped me so much, especially with my grammar and communication skills. Learning the language of the country you’re living in is so important because it helps you connect with people and feel part of the community.”

Looking ahead

Anas is currently preparing for his GCSE English studies at Leicester College alongside A-levels in Biology and Chemistry at a private centre. His ultimate goal is to study veterinary medicine at university.

“If I get the grades I need and I trust myself to achieve them, then I want to go straight to university and become a vet.”

Alongside his love for animals, Anas also has another passion: cooking. He currently makes and sells Arabic sweets, including kunafa, and hopes to continue developing his culinary skills in the future.

“When I was a child, my mother, who has now sadly passed away, spent time teaching me how to cook in the kitchen. I always want to keep learning and doing something meaningful. I hope to open my own sweet shop in the future alongside being a vet.”

In the future, Anas also hopes to explore opportunities in the aviation industry and potentially work as a flight attendant, while continuing to develop his Arabic sweets business.

Reflecting on his experience at Leicester College, Anas is grateful for the support he has received and the friendships he has made.

“I have loved my experience at Leicester College and I’m grateful for my time here. My teachers and classmates became like family, and I’m excited for my next step. I want to thank all of my teachers, my friends and especially the friend who helped me to apply.”

For anyone considering studying ESOL, Anas has one piece of advice:

“Take your studies seriously and believe in yourself. The course can open so many doors and help you achieve your goals.”