From Hong Kong to Scotland: Never Giving Up on My Dream of Education
Elaine getting married in Scotland.
Young Elaine visiting her mother’s family in Scotland.
In this post, our third-year student (2025-2026), Elaine Yan, shares her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in Hong Kong to building a new life in Scotland. Now studying full-time while working in a primary school, Elaine reflects on her passion for supporting children with Additional Support Needs in early years and her belief that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.
Starting life without a childhood
I was born in Hong Kong. Growing up, life often felt like everything depended on money. When I was young, my parents were not there to look after me. I was raised by my grandparents, aunties, and uncles. They did their best, but life was not easy.
I did not really have any childhood. While other children were playing and enjoying school life, I was already worrying about survival and the future. I loved learning and wanted to continue studying, but my relatives could not afford to support my education. After finishing high school, I had no choice but to work. I started earning money when I was only 15 years old.
Even during those difficult years, one thing never changed that I loved studying. I always believed education could change my life, even if the journey was much harder for me than for others.
A second chance in Scotland
Twenty-four years ago, I had an opportunity to move to Scotland with a student visa. That chance completely changed my life.
I started studying National Certificate (NC) Childhood Practice at Fife College, formerly known as Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy. After that, I continued to Higher National Certificate (HNC) Childhood Practice and later completed Professional Development Award (PDA) Level 8 Childhood Practice at Edinburgh College.
Today, I am studying BA Childhood Practice at Moray House as a third-year student while working full-time in a primary school. Sometimes I still cannot believe how far I have come.
One of the proudest moments in my life will happen in 2027 when both my daughter and I graduate in the same year. I never imagined this would be possible when I first arrived in Scotland.
Why I love working with children
My studies and work have taught me so much about childhood, education, and supporting children’s development. I especially enjoy working with children who have Additional Support Needs (ASN). I am patient, detail-focused, and I enjoy challenges.
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing children grow in confidence and improve over time. When a child who struggled begins to communicate better, learn new skills, or feel happier at school, it brings me so much joy. Knowing that I can support and encourage them makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Working with young children is not just a job for me. It is something I truly care about. Every child deserves support, understanding, and someone who believes in them.
Never stop learning
For many years, I thought education was something I could never fully achieve because of my background and financial struggles. Now I understand that learning has no age limit and no perfect timeline.
Studying while working full-time and raising a family has not been easy. There were many stressful moments, long nights, and times when I doubted myself. But every step taught me resilience and confidence. If I could give advice to someone facing challenges in education, I would say this:
never give up on yourself. Your past does not decide your future. Sometimes opportunities arrive later in life, but that does not make your achievements any less meaningful.
I hope to continue studying in the future and develop into different roles within education and childhood practice. My passion for supporting children, especially those with ASN, continues to grow every year.
Looking back, I never imagined a young girl from Hong Kong who had to leave education early would one day study at University in Scotland. My journey has been difficult and emotional, but it has also been full of growth and gratitude too. Education changed my life, and now I want to help change children’s lives too.
