A Journey Shaped by Strength

Rahid’s path into higher education has been anything but straightforward. Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a long-term inflammatory condition that affects his spine, joints, mobility, and energy, everyday life is shaped by chronic pain, stiffness, and unpredictable flare-ups.

Balancing a long-term condition while navigating the emotional and financial pressures of studying in London has not been easy. There were moments when Rahid had to pause his education, not out of choice, but survival. “That gap in my education wasn’t failure; it was survival. It was what I had to do to look after my body and my family.”

Returning to university now, Rahid describes this chapter as a second chance, a chance to rebuild his life, pursue his goals with deeper purpose, and create a future brighter than his past.

Finding Belonging at Greenwich

When he joined the University of Greenwich, Rahid hoped to be part of a supportive and inclusive community. Through GSU events and student activities, he began meeting people, forming connections, and discovering spaces that made him feel understood.

One of those spaces was STAART, a programme dedicated to disabled, neurodiverse, and chronically ill students. STAART offered Rahid the belonging, empathy, and confidence he needed to take his first steps into leadership and representation. It became a vital foundation for his journey.

Leadership Through Lived Experience

Rahid is now a Programme Representative and the elected Disabled Students Liberation Chair at GSU roles that allow him to advocate for student needs, raise concerns, and support initiatives aimed at improving both academic and wellbeing experiences.

He also took part in the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) assessment visit as part of the Student Voice Panel, where he shared honest insights about student wellbeing at Greenwich. This experience highlighted the importance of authentic student voice in shaping national standards in higher education.

Through all of this, Rahid has grown immensely strengthening his communication, building his confidence, and embracing leadership shaped by empathy and lived experience.

Creating Impact on Campus

Rahid’s work centres around accessibility, disability inclusion, and wellbeing. As Disabled Students Liberation Chair, he advocates for students with long-term conditions and ensures their voices are represented within GSU and the wider university.

He also wrote the article “Breaking Barriers: Why Disability Matters at the University of Greenwich,” published on the GSU website, to raise awareness of disability representation and encourage open conversations across campus. His involvement in Disability History Month has further amplified his voice, helping bring visibility to chronic conditions, invisible disabilities, and the importance of supportive communities.

Challenges That Built Resilience

Ankylosing Spondylitis affects almost every part of Rahid’s daily life from travelling to campus to sitting through long lectures. Fatigue, stiffness, and chronic pain make it difficult to balance academic demands with medical needs.

Yet, despite these challenges, Rahid achieved 100% attendance and continues to engage fully in leadership and advocacy roles. His journey is a powerful reminder that resilience is not about never struggling it is about continuing, adapting, and finding strength in every step forward. These experiences have taught him emotional strength, patience, and a deep sense of empathy for others who navigate invisible or long-term conditions.

Achievements & Recognition

During his time at Greenwich, Rahid has:

• Been elected Disabled Students Liberation Chair at GSU

• Participated in the UMHC Student Voice Panel

• Become an active and proud member of STAART

• Published “Breaking Barriers: Why Disability Matters at the University of Greenwich”

• Contributed to Disability History Month campaigns

• Achieved 100% attendance, despite managing a chronic condition

These achievements reflect Rahid’s dedication to accessibility, student voice, and creating lasting impact.

GSU Celebrates Rahid

Rahid’s story embodies the heart of what makes the Greenwich community so powerful: resilience, compassion, and a commitment to lifting others while navigating personal challenges. Through his leadership, advocacy, and courage, he helps create a campus where disabled, neurodiverse, and chronically ill students feel seen, supported, and valued.

We are incredibly proud to feature Rahid Ali in our GSU Student Stories series and we know his impact is only just beginning.

Want to be featured?

If you’d like to share your story or if you know a Greenwich student doing amazing things, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us via email or via our Instagram and you could be part of our next GSU Student Story.