Pieraldo Stradella

My goal to forge a career by becoming a professional in the fields of psychology and human resources was interrupted when my family had to flee for their lives from Honduras and seek asylum in the UK. Coping with the uncertainties and delays in the UK immigration system has been emotionally very challenging, but I feel it has given me much resilience to take into the workplace. I look forward to be able to work and gain British Citizenship. I learned to work on this process which has entered its third year with a positive mentality. I have dealt with novel situations, become more tenacious and resilient and absolutely determined to succeed.

I met through the church a retired "captain of industry and public service" and convinced him to sponsor my studies with the Open University and to act as my mentor. From zero in a totally unfamiliar culture I have achieved a successful academic year 2023/24 and am able to continue my studies, accelerating up my learning curve.

A keyword for me is "balance". I shall need to find work to help support my family and be prepared to take any job that I am capable of doing while at the same time studying to achieve professional status. It is going to be hard but I am determined to succeed, whatever the cost. Failure is not an option but I know I must earn the opportunity to be given the chance to succeed. Despite the tough start, I am grateful to the UK for accepting me. I admire the stance the UK adopts on global issues, its success in creating a multiracial society and believe it is a force for good. I want to be a proud British citizen and be in a position one day to give back to British Society.

• I am interested in intellectual pursuits rather than sport or making things. Mental rather than physical activity although I like to walk, explore and keep fit.
• Finding sufficient like minded individuals locally is desirable but can be limiting. Searching outside has led me to international friendships in communities online and has satisfied my particular interest in media of all kinds. We do a lot of cultural sharing online and exchange material.
• These friendships support my deep interest in psychology and being able to help each other when the going gets rough. On a lighter side I am interested in the amusing side of history.