From Pro Footballer to Finance Student | Tevahn's Degree Journey
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Continuing our Silence Your Critic interview series, we recently spoke to Tevahn, a former professional footballer turned Accounting and Finance student at Arden University.
After years spent chasing success on the pitch, Tevahn decided to chase a new kind of greatness; one that would let him build a legacy beyond sport. His story is one of focus, growth, and learning how to transfer the discipline of football into business and education.
You can watch our video with Tevahn here and read his full interview below.
Tevahn, what inspired your decision to return to education after your football career?
I’ve always believed that greatness is a choice. After years playing professionally, from the Caribbean to Europe, I started thinking about what came next.
When the pandemic hit, football slowed down, and I had time to reflect. I realised I didn’t want to be great at just one stage of life. I wanted to build something lasting. Something that could leave a legacy.
That’s when I started exploring business and entrepreneurship. One day, I was registering my clothing brand and realised I’d need an accountant. That simple question, “What does an accountant actually do?”, led me down a new path, straight to Arden University.
What made you choose Arden for your degree?
I liked that Arden offered so many flexible options. I could study online, set my own pace, and still focus on my projects.
But more than that, the outreach team made me feel genuinely supported. From the very beginning, they were encouraging and proactive. It felt like joining a safe haven for learning; somewhere I could grow, no matter what stage of life I was in.
How did your experience as a professional athlete help you as a student?
Football taught me discipline, focus, and structure. At first, the transition from training to studying felt strange, but I realised it was the same mindset: preparation, consistency, and repetition.
Just like you can’t master a skill overnight, you can’t master a subject in one sitting. I study intensely for short periods, every day. That’s how I stay consistent.
Arden has been amazing at helping me channel that focus. My tutors are like coaches, always there to guide, challenge, and support me.
You’re also running a business while studying. Tell us about that.
Yes, I run a clothing brand called Rooting Billions Retail, which is all about inspiring people to believe in themselves and recognise their worth. I use everything I’m learning at Arden, from accounting principles to branding and marketing, to grow it.
One of my tutors talked about how Apple’s packaging creates trust through design. That conversation made me rethink how I present my brand. Now, even small details like colour and quality mean something deeper.
How has Arden supported you during your studies?
The support has been incredible. My tutors have helped me with real-world challenges like taxes and business planning. I’ve also become a peer mentor, which means I get to support other students too.
It’s helped me make great connections, new friends, and even plan projects like starting a football team for students. Arden feels like a community that pushes you to be your best self.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their degree later in life or after a career change?
Don’t hesitate. Just start.
You might think university is scary or that you’ve missed your chance, but it’s not true. You already have the discipline and life experience you need. Arden is the perfect environment to channel that into something new.
It’s all about mindset. If you treat studying like training, you’ll realise how much potential you already have.
Tevahn’s story is proof that your best chapter doesn’t have to be your first. At Arden University, we’re proud to help students like Tevahn turn ambition into action and transform their life goals into new achievements.
If his journey inspires you, take the first step today.
Find out more about our flexible degree courses designed to fit around your life.
