He becomes the youngest black professor in Cambridge

DAY

A renowned sociologist who could not read or write until the age of 18 is set to become the youngest black professor at the University of Cambridge, England. 

Jason Arday, 37, was diagnosed with developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder at age 3. He didn't start speaking until he was 11, according to The Guardian.

Next month Mr Arday will become a professor of educational sociology, and hopes that his story will inspire others who, like him, come from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education.

“My work focuses first on how we can open doors to more people from disadvantaged backgrounds and really democratizing higher education,” he explained.

“I hope that being in a place like Cambridge will give me leverage to lead this program at the nationally and globally,” he added.

Arday was born and raised in Clapham. He has three siblings. Until the age of 11, he communicated in sign language. The specialists told his family that he would need support all his life, wrongly.

The message he wants to convey is that “anything is possible”. “I knew I didn't necessarily have a lot of talent, but I knew how much I wanted it and how hard I wanted to work,” added the future teacher, who will take up his post in March.