Khudayja Makda gains degree and first published work

Khudayja Makda, of Lidget Green, credited Bradford’s Waterstones for helping her gain the achievement.

The 26-year-old confessed that she spent many hours over the last four years in the bookshop's cafe conducting her studies for the Open University English Literature and Creative Writing degree.

Pakistani-born Khudayja, says the Gothic surroundings in The Wool Exchange, Hustlergate, were truly inspirational.

The impressive Wool Exchange in Bradford city centre

“It’s incredibly beautiful,” she said.

“That is where a lot of ideas come to me. I used to write my Open University assignments there, too, because it’s quite a nice atmosphere.

"It’s quiet and you can take in the sights and find inspiration there.” 

And it’s easy to see why.

Towards the top of the building inside are vaulted ceilings that would not be out of place in the magical Harry Potter books penned by J.K. Rowling who famously worked in cafes on the books. 

And so it was particularly fitting that independent publishers Fox & Windmill used the venue to launch the anthology of short stories ‘Tales from the kitchen’, in which Khudayja’s story appears. 

It’s a collection of South Asian authentic tales on food, life and cooking including the joys, hardships and comfort it brings.

Khudayja’s 1,500-word short story “Mangoes” is about South Asian women in the kitchen and how they rebel in little ways.

“It’s a subtle, story where you look at how mangoes feature and metaphorically explain the sacrifices that South Asian women in the kitchen make,” she added.

“It’s not very overt – it tries to subtly tell you about some social issues while talking about the delicacy that mangoes are in Pakistan.”

She says female members of her family are finding it very relatable.

On seeing her own work in print Khudayja’s thoughts were somewhat different: “It feels amazing. I keep saying to people it’s a bit like having imposter syndrome. Is it real?”

Khudayja continues to work full time as the Centre Director of Bradford’s Maths and English tuition centre for children, having juggled a job there and studies over a four-year period.

On achieving a first in her degree, she says simply, and with much satisfaction: “I’ve got what I wanted.”

Since it began in 1969, the Open university has taught more than 2.3 million students worldwide and currently has almost 200,000 students.