#WednesdayWisdom from Ingrid, an education student
![](/_site/data/images/news/11/main-I always felt that that it is important to pursue your dreams and get to where you want academically..jpg)
Ingrid has studied for the Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning with TLI. Find out more about her time as a student with us.
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.