LSST Elephant and Castle Student Overcomes Barriers to Become Published Author of Four Novels – With More on the Way

🔊 Male Voice 🔊 Female Voice

     

“Confidence and business channels – that’s what LSST gave me,” said Marcia Cunningham, an author of four books and a Business Management with Foundation Year student at LSST Elephant and Castle.

Her words carry a quiet boldness, the kind that comes from a life that has already seen enough obstacles to know that second chances are not always promised. Over 60 and long resigned to the idea that her manuscripts would remain unseen, Marcia has done what few active degree students would dare: she has published four novels with more on the way.

“Before LSST, I felt intimidated by higher education. I didn’t think people like me could thrive in that space academically or as an author,” she reflected. “But my LSST lecturers made learning supportive and very empowering. They removed the fear I had – and replaced it with confidence – and that confidence propelled me to publish my book series.”

Years ago, she had written her Queen Ibiere book series about heritage, womanhood and the unbreakable strength of self-discovery but tucked them away, believing the door to authorship had closed.

“At 60, and an LSST student with disabilities and mobility challenges, I’m proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams,” said Marcia. “Under the watchful guidance of my Business Lecturer, Diwa, I have found the courage to share my passion with the world.”

“My business course at LSST is helping me connect my creativity with commerce,” Marcia added. “I’ve learned how to organise my ideas, how to structure goals and how to believe that my work has business value.”

That self-belief has already ignited new ventures – she is already writing additional books. “My inspiration often stems from my own life experiences and photographs,” she reflected. “Each image holds a story that I translate into words – into worlds that feel real, hopeful and profoundly human.”

Beyond her Queen Ibiere novels, Marcia’s creative reach extends to Jamaica Negro Proverbs & Sayings -a cultural compendium that preserves the humour, heart and heritage of Jamaica through its timeless expressions. Her creative portfolio also includes Matthew’s Journey: London Beginnings & Reflections, a compelling account of personal growth and urban discovery in London.

 

 

     

“The idea of rising when opportunity calls threads gently through Marcia’s phenomenal journey at LSST – a strongly woven crescendo of courage and transformation,” said Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s CEO. “It mirrors LSST’s belief that education ignites elevation and that not all confidence is bestowed but built.”

Syed Rizvi, Academic Dean of LSST Elephant and Castle and LSST Stratford and Dean of Learning and Teaching, praising the publications, said, “She has turned her patience into publications and her belief into a varied authorship. Her courage and creativity embody the very confidence that LSST seeks to inspire in every student.”

“Marcia’s academic journey has been more than an act of study; it has been an act of reclamation,” said Eniana Gobuzi, Associate Dean at LSST Elephant and Castle. “She embodies LSST’s spirit of lifelong learning and inclusive opportunity. Her story reminds us that education can transform even long-held dreams into living realities.”

Diwa Ojha, a Business Lecturer at LSST Elephant and Castle, who encouraged Marcia to push forward with her entrepreneurial goals, added: “Every lecturer here believes in opening doors. When someone like Marcia is given that opportunity, you realise how high a person can lift off when simply given the chance, confidence and correct channels.”

Though her novels are now published and with more already on the way, a deeper story unfolds between the lines: of a student who refused to be confined by circumstance, of lecturers who believed and one of LSST that continues to demonstrate – time and again – that with the right academic environment, anyone can learn to soar.

Buy Marcia’s books on Amazon here: Amazon.co.uk : wiggratt publishing

For additional information or interviews, please direct questions to LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.

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