Romzan Ali, a 22-year-old from Ely, has graduated with first class honours in aviation management from Cardiff Metropolitan University, turning personal tragedy into academic success. After losing both parents in 2019, he felt lost and uncertain about his future, but now works in security at Cardiff Airport and aims to become an air traffic controller.
Personal Tragedy and Setbacks
In 2019, Romzan's father died suddenly, followed shortly by his mother, who was living in Bangladesh. The double loss halted his A-level studies. "Everything stopped," Romzan said. "At the time, I felt lost and unsure about what the future would look like."
When he tried to resume studying, he faced further setbacks with unsuccessful applications and limited course availability. Determined to attend university, he self-funded an online Access programme with his own savings, completing the equivalent of three A-levels within a year. He described this as the real turning point.
Building a Career in Aviation
Romzan developed a keen interest in aviation and undertook extra courses alongside his degree, including modules with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He now leads a consultancy project on revenue development strategies for Cardiff Airport. After securing a job in security at the airport, he hopes to eventually become an air traffic controller.
"I've always been fascinated by aviation," he said. "The industry is constantly evolving and connecting people around the world. My goal is to build a career where I can continue learning and taking on responsibility."
Support and Persistence
Romzan credited his sister Shahela and brother-in-law Mahmud as his biggest supporters. "They always believed in me, even during the hardest times," he said. He also praised his tutors at Cardiff Metropolitan University for helping him build confidence.
"This experience has taught me that setbacks don't define your future," Romzan reflected. "With persistence, support and hard work, it's possible to overcome challenges and achieve your goals." He added that completing his degree means a lot because he knows it would have made his father proud: "My dad always wanted me to do well in school and achieve a degree."
