For Dheeraj Vivek Chaubey, the path to academic success has not been smooth. He struggled throughout school, failed grades and dropped out twice.
But a determination to succeed – and a desire to find his very own Hogwarts – pushed him on.
The 24-year-old from India is now graduating with an MSc in Human Nutrition from the University of Aberdeen where he says his time has been filled with ‘growth, learning, and moments I’ll always remember’.
“I always dreamed of earning my graduate degree in the United Kingdom – partly because I grew up fascinated by the world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts,” he said.
“I wanted to study in a place that carried the same magic, history, and sense of purpose. And guess what – the University of Aberdeen became my own Hogwarts. With its 530-year-old heritage, castle-like campus, and deep academic roots, it felt like stepping into the place I’d imagined for years.”
Studying in Scotland was a dream come true but it also came with challenges – adapting to a new culture, balancing studies, and building a life on his own.
Dheeraj found joining AIESEC Aberdeen – part of a global platform for young people to develop their leadership potential through practical experiences - gave me the chance to connect with people from around the world, build leadership skills, and push beyond his comfort zone. This in turn supported his studies.
He added: “Studying Human Nutrition at Aberdeen has given me exactly what I wanted – world-class education, self-belief, and a chance to transform passion into purpose.
“Graduating from a 530-year-old university that once felt like an impossible dream is proof that perseverance beats failure. Aberdeen will forever be my Hogwarts – the place where I turned setbacks into strength and dreams into reality.
“From failing year after year to now graduating in the UK, it’s more than just a degree for me. It’s proof that no setback lasts forever if you don’t give up.”
Dheeraj now wants to put all that he has learned to use helping people live better, healthier lives and he hopes his next chapter will be with the NHS or anywhere he can make a difference.