Samina Shafieq has been an exceptional lecturer and an invaluable source of support throughout my academic journey. Samina consistently created a positive, inclusive, and motivating learning environment in which I felt encouraged to participate, reflect, and develop my academic abilities. Her constructive feedback was always thoughtful and insightful, enabling me to enhance the quality of my work and achieve stronger academic outcomes.

Beyond her excellence in teaching, Samina demonstrated remarkable dedication to student well-being in her role as Study Centre Lead. During a particularly challenging period, when I was considering withdrawing from my course, she offered emotional support and guidance. Her encouragement helped me regain confidence, persevere with my dissertation, and ultimately complete my undergraduate degree in Health and Social Care at the University of Bedfordshire.

Samina’s professionalism, empathy, and commitment to student success have had a profound impact on my educational experience. I am sincerely grateful for her support, and I hold her in the highest regard as both an educator and a mentor.

Health and Social Care Graduate 2023

 It is my pleasure to provide this academic testimony for Samina Shafieq, in recognition of her outstanding contributions, both as a lecturer and dissertation supervisor during my time as a student at the University of Bedfordshire. Her exceptional pedagogical style and unwavering support were crucial to my academic journey, which culminated with the First-Class Honours Degree.

Samina's teaching style is engaging and challenging students, with an interactive approach that actively promotes critical thinking and deep subject engagement, rather than relying on passive lectures. Additionally, she has a natural talent for guiding discussions without dominating them, which allows students to explore ideas and develop their own analytical voices and reasoning. This method solidified my understanding of the curriculum, assignment, and instilled in me the confidence to independently undertake complex research questions.   

Consequently, her support was exemplary, particularly during the demanding dissertation process. She demonstrated a remarkable commitment to my project's success, her feedback was consistently prompt, thorough, and highly constructive, offering invaluable guidance on refining my research methodology, structuring my arguments, and sourcing relevant data. Achieving a First-Class grade on my dissertation, was a direct result of her superb mentorship, and a personal academic high point. The skills I developed under her supervision, such as rigorous research practices, precise analytical writing, and effective time management, are skills I still carry forward into my professional life. She is an inspirational educator who genuinely changes her students' trajectories for the better. Her dedication to excellence in teaching and mentorship is outstanding and exceptional, and I am profoundly grateful for the pivotal role she played in my education.                                                           

University of Bedfordshire, Bachelor of Arts with Honours-First Class in Health and Social Care, 2024.

I had the privilege of being taught by Samina during my university studies, and she remained a source of support far beyond the module she delivered. Her passion for teaching was clear and she was always attentive, knowledgeable, and approachable. She consistently went the extra mile, offering guidance whenever I needed it and even recommending reading that proved invaluable to my learning. The module she taught became one of my highest-graded, a true reflection of her dedication and ability to inspire. Samina is one of the most memorable lecturers I have had, not only for her knowledge and passion, but because she genuinely cared. Her guidance strengthened my confidence during my studies, and I will always be grateful for the kindness, encouragement, and belief she showed in me. I am certain she will continue to make a positive impact on everyone she works with.

Degree & Classification: BSc (Hons) Health and Social Sciences – 2:1
2023

Having you as a teacher was one of the greatest experiences. I still remember the day when Samina Shafieq came one morning to the classroom and asked your students to write in groups about some ground rules we would like to apply,what we would like to happen and what we don't like from others during a lesson. To me it was so impactful your strategy , that inspired me to use it with my pupils . As a teacher ,I've appreciated the fact that you let us have freedom and express our ideas in a manner that no one else would do,adapting to everyone 's understanding,but sometimes you let us find the answers to our questions completely in our own,like a psychologist,best psychologists always let their patients find the answers on their own. And yet the best quality of yours as a teacher,you made your students from all the backgrounds very welcome,creating a very inclusive environment . Your ethics were impeccable , your experience and dedication to your work made me want to be a teacher . You're truly inspiring,a great example to follow.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours-First Class in Health and Social Care, 2024.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Samina Shafieq, who was my supervisor, tutor and mentor during my university years at the University of Bedfordshire on the Birmingham campus.   I got to know her in 2021 when I started university. She provided exceptional support throughout my university journey, especially during my dissertation. Her academic guidance was truly superb. From our one-to-one meetings to her lectures, every interaction was meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable. Her teaching style was fun, inspiring, and encouraged everyone to participate, which made learning a genuinely positive experience.

What meant the most to me was her kindness and approachability. I always knew that I could go to her with any concern, academic or personal. During one of the most difficult periods of my life, when I was facing homelessness and struggling to stay focused, she stood firmly by my side. I cannot put into words how valuable her support was during that time.  With her strength, encouragement, and unwavering belief in me, I was able to stay resilient, complete my dissertation, and achieve fantastic results.

She is a true role model. Not only as an academic but as a human being.  Her compassion, dedication, and genuine care for her students are qualities I will never forget.  She will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful for everything she has done for me. I wish her all the best in her future.