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The Learning Institute

The Learning Institute

Helen's story

We caught up with TLI student Helen recently.  Helen completed her FdSc Health and Social Care this year, and has now embarked on the BA (Hons) Professional Practice top-up degree.

Name: Helen

Course: FdSc Health and Social Care 

Year of graduation: 2017

 

Tell us a bit about what you are doing now?

On the back of my Foundation Degree, I’m now doing my BA (Hons) Professional Practice with The Learning Institute/University of Worcester

 

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

Truly terrifying; I had not studied anything academic in any way, shape or form for 31 years; a lifetime. At my first class I discovered that out of 6 of us 3 were under 31 years old!

 

How has your life changed since you graduated?

I enjoyed the education process with TLI so much, I’m continuing my lifelong learning journey with them…

 

What did you enjoy most about studying for your degree?

The knowledge gained and the friendships made.

 

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

I was so overwhelmed in my first month or so I was reduced to tears at home on a regular basis. Self-doubt crippled what confidence I had – which wasn’t much! Not only did I have a brand-new subject to learn from scratch, the academic language (evaluate, justify, discuss, argument) and study skills (critical reading/writing, reflection, citing/referencing) seemed insurmountable. This was overcome with incredible support from my academic tutors and my PAT Peggy Bent whose patience in helping me across all the hurdles I encountered was infinite. I also researched study skills online through TLI and the University of Worcester and read (a lot!).

 

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

DO IT – unequivocally. When I took the decision to enroll on the Foundation Degree, a whole new, exciting chapter in my own book of life started; I’m not ready to finish my educational and self-discovery journey yet… there is far more to learn, all thanks to The Learning Institute.