"I achieved more than I could have imagined”
Studying psychology at Birkbeck helped Allal Hammouda find direction, confidence, and a clear path forward in neuroscience.
My journey to graduating with a BSc in Psychology with Neuroscience has been deeply personal and transformative. Fourteen years ago, my life changed when I began experiencing unexplained health issues. Instead of giving up, I made the decision to take my future into my own hands. Birkbeck became the place where this decision turned into purpose.
Studying while managing my health issues was not easy, but Birkbeck’s support, flexibility, and belief in second chances allowed me to achieve more than I imagined. My degree not only gave me academic knowledge, but it also gave me hope, direction, and a renewed sense of identity.
Today, I am continuing my academic journey at Birkbeck with an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology, and I am already preparing to pursue a PhD focusing on the very challenges that shaped my life. I am also writing a book titled ‘From Panic to Purpose’, where I share how adversity pushed me toward science, resilience, and meaningful contribution.
Graduating from Birkbeck is not just an academic milestone, it’s also a reminder that determination and support can help you turn challenges into opportunities.