Tiago Pereira’s university journey goes beyond success; it’s a testament to hard work and self-determination.
This experience has inspired him to give back to his local community and serve as a role model for others in similar situations. “I set up a football group with around 30 members of all ages, ethnicities and abilities who come together to play 5-a-side and have been working with the council to provide opportunities for some of the younger members to gain additional qualifications, such as coaching qualifications and first aid training.
Community has played an important part in both Tiago’s personal and academic life: “Community is everything to me, whether it is my local community at home in Portadown or the Community at Ulster University – there is something special about people coming together for a combined cause. Tiago balanced two jobs alongside his studies. Applying to both Ulster University and to become a retained firefighter, he was accepted to both. Determined to seize every opportunity, he juggled his studies, firefighter training, and part-time work.