Man Whose Headteacher told He Won’t Succeed Bags First Class From Cambridge Varsity

Jordan Andrew has put his naysayers to shame after successfully gaining admission to the University of Cambridge. He excelled by graduating with a first-class, making him the second-best student in his program of studies.

In a LinkedIn post, Andrew revealed that thanks to his excellent academic performance, he received three honorary awards at his graduation ceremony; Cambridge University Press Prize for Best Dissertation Project, Department of Psychology Prize, and Head of Psychology Department Commendation for Achieving all firsts in examinations.

While sharing more about his journey, Jordan recounted when he was told he would fail his exams during his secondary school days. His headmaster also told him he would never get into the University of Cambridge.

Read his story below:

“I am delighted to announce that I have achieved a First Class with Distinction, 90% on my original dissertation and a ranking of 2nd for the entire Psychological and Behavioural Science cohort. 

I am also ecstatic to have been awarded three academic prizes:

1) Cambridge University Press – Academic Prize for Best Dissertation Project

2) Department of Psychology Prize

3) Head of Psychology Department Commendation for Achieving All Firsts in Examinations

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). 

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“I did it! As a Black Caribbean boy and young carer from Enfield, I graduated from the University of Cambridge made history, broke down barriers and made a statement while doing it.” 

“This is for the young boy that was told he would fail his exams and not amount to anything in Secondary School. This is for the teen that was told no one of his ‘caliber’ would ever get into Cambridge by the principal of his Sixth Form College. This is for the man that was told by many that he only got into Cambridge as a ‘token’ to meet a diversity quota.”

“To anybody who has ever been marginalised or made to feel less than…..Keep going. Never listen to anyone who wishes to belittle your dreams. Never let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.” 

“Finally, to all my young black brothers and sisters who are striving for success in a society built and cemented with oppression and racism. Change is occurring slowly but surely and it’s up to us to continue the legacies and excellence our ancestors have left. As Henry Louis Gates Jr said in a recent Cambridge lecture “Education is what gives us a voice to fight oppression.” 

His story has stored over 35,000 reactions and comments. Below are a few:

Dr. John wrote: Nothing surprises me anymore. I believe all you mentioned that happened to you as you progressed. Count yourself lucky that special educational needs was not suggested at the initial stages as happens to coloured children at the drop of a hat. I am happy for you. Remember you passed with flying colours because you believed in your abilities and worked your socks off. Congratulations!! Well done!!

Vince Pizzoni wrote: Good for you Jordan. I’m always amazed by the negative comments that students get at school from people that should know better. We should be lifting people up not putting them down. The pessimistic and half empty group need to take a long, hard look at themselves, and if they haven’t got anything positive to say, should refrain from saying anything.

Education is the great leveller; it certainly was for me. I’m thankful that despite their lack of education, my parents had enough foresight and generosity to see that it was important to us and how we would develop both as individuals and in our careers.

I wish you every success for the future, Jordan, and am sure you will be a positive role model not only for today but into the future.

Blyth wrote: What an amazing achievement for anyone, but especially for you Jordan. I don’t know you, but I am proud of you and wish you everything you would wish for yourself in the future. Intelligence, curiosity, motivation, ambition, family support, encouragement from others, and most of all love are not black or white – they are human qualities. And you have them in bucketfuls. No doubt you will continue to be confronted by racism in the western world as you journey through life. Keep your armour on and go forth in grace and peace.

Angel M wrote: Jordan Andrew congratulations on proving the naysayers wrong. Congratulations for standing in front of them all and providing the ‘watch this’ demonstrating to all that it’s not what they think, it’s the effort and capacity to push oneself to the finish line that brings rewards. Well done looking forward to your next step, onwards and upwards with Gods, grace. Sending blessings and joy as your news made me feel just that. 

Ouida Duncan wrote: Jordan Andrew, well done my brother. Well done. I don’t know you personally, but I DO know you. We know each other based on our shared experiences. I’m excited to see how God uses you and how you use your gifts and talents to uplift the voiceless and the dejected. Keep climbing. Keep reaching for the stars. I’m confident, you’ll also reach back and pull others towards the mountain top. Blessings upon blessings.

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CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, YEN