When I first got the letter, I thought it was a joke.
Standing alone in the kitchen I couldn’t speak, let alone call Ed so I took a photo of it, uploaded it to ChatGPT and asked, “What’s this?”
ChatGPT replied: “The University of Hull are offering you an honorary doctorate. Congratulations, Dr Jaz!”
My response: “Could it be a mistake?”
ChatGPTs response: “Universities are not in the habit of mistakenly offering honorary doctorates.”
AI can be a bit sassy!
Obviously, I rang the university to double-check. Because after a journey like mine, imposter syndrome doesn’t go down easy.
But it was real.
Last week, I was awarded a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) by University of Hull. The letter said it was ‘in recognition of my significant contribution to public speaking, especially in leadership, resilience, well-being, and diversity’.
Graduation day itself was absolutely amazing. But even more than that,
I felt claimed.
Celebrated – like the whole of my past, present, and potential was seen and accepted.
Let me explain…
While there was no national data back then, based on everything we know now, the odds weren’t in my favour. Fewer than 1% of children who had lived in foster care went on to university. The absence of any financial support once you turned 18 and no family support during the holidays was incredibly difficult to navigate. However, my biggest struggle was feeling like I didn’t belong there.
I was embarrassed about not having a family to go back to during the breaks between terms and was never certain if I’d survive the ‘holidays’ to return to uni the next term.
Thankfully, things are changing.
Many UK universities are stepping up to offer year-round accommodation, dedicated pastoral support teams and financial support for those who need it, making university more accessible. They’re not just inviting care experienced students in—they’re building bridges so they can stay, thrive, and flourish.
If you’re a young person who’s grown up in care, you’ve already overcome more than most people face in a lifetime. You’re not a statistic. You’re the story. Don’t wait to be picked. You belong. Take up space. Write a new chapter – your past is not a script for your future.
Standing on that stage as Dr Jaz, in the very university that first made me feel that I was both acceptable and accepted, was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
In my speech, I shared something I’ve never said publicly:
It’s like I spent 30 years in lost property. And I had a great time there! I built a community, made friends, married an amazing guy, and had three fantastic kids. People came and went. They changed my life and I changed theirs.
But when I opened that letter… it felt like someone coming along, pointing directly at my chest and saying:
‘She’s mine.’
Kids in care aren’t underdogs. They’re future teachers, doctors, leaders, creators, and changemakers. Let’s build the systems that see them, support them and remind them they belong.
I want to extend mahooosive thanks to the incredible people who made this day unforgettable:
💙 Crystal Ness, Alumni Engagement Manager
💙 Jack Bourne, Executive Director
💙 Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor
💙 The Right Honourable Alan Johnson, Chancellor
And huge congratulations to my fellow honorary grads:
⚽ Dean Windass (Hull City legend)
🌍 @Alan Raw (eco-futurist and creative trailblazer)
When you’ve got a past like mine, it’s easy to feel like no matter what you achieve, there’s something missing. On 15th July that lifelong certainty took a massive hit! Surrounded by my framily (friends and family) and with Hull University as my proud parents, I realised that I’ve always belonged!
So yes—it’s official now. Dr Jaz Ampaw-Farr. Still getting used to it. Still crying a bit. Still utterly blown away!