A teenager travelled 4,000 miles to Britain to become a dolphin doctor.
Tsian Deslandes grew up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad but moved to the UK age 19 to study.
Before the move, she was working in a shop to support her mum and caring for her grandmother.
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After years of doubting if she would ever be able to go to university, Tsian, now 25, took the leap and applied for an environmental management and sustainability course at the University of Plymouth.
And just two weeks later, she received the news she’d been accepted, as reported by Need To Know.
“I grew up by the sea and told my mum I wanted to be a dolphin doctor so I wanted to study by the sea too,” she said.
“I remember a University of Plymouth international representative handing me a prospectus when I was young.
“It looked wonderful but frankly I didn’t think I was clever enough for uni let alone to come to one over in the UK.
“My mum is my absolute inspiration and when she mentioned clearing I thought ‘why not?’ let’s just pick the phone up and see what happens.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d be accepted and moving halfway across the world within a fortnight.”
Tsian was accepted onto BSc Environmental Management and Sustainability.
One year in she decided to transfer to BSc Ocean Science and Marine Conservation with a foundation year to help pursue her dream of working with dolphins.
She said: “Long-term I want to work in protection and restoration of sea animals alongside improving access to the sea and its benefits for disabled people.
“My cousin has non-verbal cerebral palsy and she’s my inspiration for the goal.
“Having a foundation year has enabled me to learn the academic skills that underpin the learning and the whole course has been just what I wanted to do.”
Tsian has also become a student ambassador and works in the university’s clearing call centre to help others achieve their dreams.
She said: “People are so nervous when they phone up and I remember that only too well so I just imagine I’m talking to myself when I speak to them.
“I just threw myself into university life.
“The best thing you can do is get out there and meet people.
“I went to international welcome week, found friends and they’ve become like my family.
“Within my time at uni I’ve also been Chair of the Students’ Union Tropical Island Society and Chair of the Environmental Society where I organise beach clean ups.
“It’s certainly been busy but surrounded by great people, it’s been brilliant.
“Even on a day when things get difficult I just walk up to Plymouth Hoe.
“It’s the most wonderful setting and helps me stay connected with the ocean.”
Tsian will graduate in 2026.
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