Year of graduation: 2017

Tell us a bit about what you are doing now?

At the moment I am about to finish the Foundation Degree Teaching and Learning and looking forward to taking on the Top-Up course in BA (Hons) in Professional Practice in Education.

How did you find the process of returning to education/study?

I decided to return to studying to have a chance of creating a better life for my family and to prove to my children that anything is possible with hard work and the right attitude. So, two years ago I had all those feelings associated with the first days and new beginnings. I had butterflies in my stomach and shaky legs as I entered the room. By the end of the first day I was exhausted from the pressure of trying to remember names and from trying to keep conversation flowing when speaking to my new classmates. I always felt that that it is important to pursue your dreams and get to where you want academically.

How has your life changed since you graduated?

Although I have not graduated yet, my life has changed drastically professionally. I started as a volunteer in my setting but I am now a LSA to a SEN child in reception class. This course has taught me to be more determined, to prioritise all my responsibilities, to be more organised and to stay focused.

What did/do you enjoy most about studying for your degree?

The most enjoyable part of studying for a degree was not only learning and remembering new facts but I’ve enjoyed the research and exploration of different topics which has giving me a deeper understanding.

What was your biggest challenge during your study and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me was finding the time to study. Having a family of 3 children and a husband with two jobs I was extremely anxious about finding the time to read. I was also, very nervous and apprehensive about my academic writing skills especially since I had never written at such a level and I had left education 15 years prior.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about going back to education?

Manage your time effectively – develop or plan for blocks of study time. If these sets of time are unavailable, be efficient and be creative with your studying by fitting it in whenever you can.