A homeless teenager has been called an inspiration after her determination has started her on the path to an exciting future.
Hafsa Isahak is embarking on a new chapter in her life thanks to her perseverance and the support of a Coventry city centre business.
The 19-year-old spent weeks with no permanent place to call home, sleeping on one friend’s sofa to the next and not knowing where to turn.
But now she is being fast-tracked for great things thanks to the help given by the Premier Inn, based at Belgrade Plaza, and its operations manager, Rebecca Stevens.
“I left the foster system and had nowhere to go, I was living in hostels and for six weeks I was also ‘sofa surfing’, sleeping on friend’s sofas,” Hafsa said.
“I was part of the Prince’s Trust programme and we had a career talk by Rebecca and it just made me think that I needed to get up, get out there and find a job and career.
“I called and emailed Rebecca many, many times, but there was nothing available, but the hotel and the industry seemed liked something I wanted to get into, so I was determined to be given a chance.”
Just a short time after, Rebecca Stevens and Hafsa met once again at another event and the teenager took the opportunity to see if there were any positions.
“I offered Hafsa a work placement and within a matter of days I knew that I had to make her part of the team,” said Rebecca.
“She is so enthusiastic, hardworking and a pleasure to be around, but she is truly inspirational as well.
“To have gone through homelessness, not having a job and still be humble and determined to make a better life for herself is quite something.
“Everyone on the team loves her and she has been a fantastic addition to our team and so many of our guests compliment Hafsa and her work.”
Hafsa has quickly worked her way up the ranks to a full-time position at the hotel and has started an apprenticeship programme.
Trish Willetts, manager of Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) which Premier Inn is a member of, was so impressed with both Hafsa and the support from the hotel.
“Hafsa took her destiny into her own hands and showed what can be done if people really put their minds to it,” she said.
“She decided to not let her situation get the better of her and instead overcome her problems to make a better life.
“Not only that, it is wonderful to see the Premier Inn looking past someone’s situation and offering them a step up to get their life back on track.”