News / University of Bristol
From homelessness to dreams of becoming a lecturer
Cleopatra Kaviya had her life changed when at 31 she became pregnant with her daughter Jahviya.
Cleopatra and her daughter Jahviya – photo: Jack Pitts
This significant event happened at the same time as the separation between her and her partner, and her mother’s illness.
Cleopatra, who is originally from Zimbabwe, became extremely ill during her pregnancy and was subsequently hospitalised.
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She had held managerial positions at multiple chain stores but due to her illness, lost her home.
“I had to go to the council for support because I didn’t have a roof over my head,” Cleopatra remembers. “I ended up in a single room in a mother and baby unit in Bristol.”
Cleopatra explains how this led to a steep drop in her mental health.
“I got depression because I felt I’d really let Jahviya down. It was a bit of a horror story. Life was very trying for a while, and it was all quite bleak.”
A smiling Cleopatra today – photo: Jack Pitts
Despite everything, Cleopatra’s university dream to become a teacher was still there, but seemingly unattainable with the birth of her daughter and her lack of qualifications.
Until she enrolled in an Access to Higher Education Course at the City of Bristol College, leading to taking the University of Bristol’s Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences in 2019.
“I didn’t think they’d take me, but they were really encouraging,” Cleopatra said. “The course also really fitted around childcare. They even let me bring my daughter in.”
Cleopatra’s anthropologic studies have led to her goal of changing the perception of Africa – photo: Jack Pitts
After her foundation course, Cleopatra was advised to pursue an Anthropology BA.
“I didn’t even know what anthropology was! But I looked into it and realised it was for me.”
Currently, in her final year, Cleopatra says that she has “absolutely loved” studying for her undergraduate degree and is planning for a master’s to become a lecturer.
Cleopatra’s anthropologic studies led to a new goal: to change the perception of Africa.
“I want to introduce people to the Africa that I know.”
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Cleopatra is described by professor Mhairi Gibson, head of the University of Bristol’s anthropology & archaeology department as being “a real pleasure to teach, curious and creative! She brings energy and experience to the classroom.”
Cleopatra credits her daughter for her success: “She made me come out of my comfort zone and made me want to be a better person.”
So what is her advice for those wanting to pursue higher education later in life? “It can be challenging, and it takes dedication, but once you do it, you’ll feel great. I feel whole now, university made me feel like I’m me again.”
Main photo: Jack Pitts
Read next:
- Evelyn Welch has got the love for Bristol
- Bristol holds first exhibition dedicated solely to artists of Afrikan descent
- Bristol Uni could rename buildings with links to slave trade
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