Tracey graduated from the BA(hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families, having previously completed the Foundation Degree in Early Years. Tracey reflects on her experiences…
“I never even contemplated the notion of going to university as a mature student, but something changed in 2020, besides from the Covid-19 pandemic. I reflected on my work commitments at the time and my personal position and the fact my home life was taking a different course with my youngest son going off to university. Therefore, I re-evaluated my standing and changed both my job and encompassed the ideology of studying.
I had always been interested in learning and expanding my horizons within my professional practice. Consequently, last minute, I then enrolled on an Early Years foundation Degree course at the University. The requirements of the Flexible and Distributed Learning pathway conscripted my time one Saturday a month and was controlled solely by the pandemic. Therefore, my learning was restricted and very much self-directed and my IT skills which were already limited became challenging. So probably with some luck and dedication I passed.
The late nights had been worth it. My graduation last year was a personal achievement for me and a life changing experience. I continued studying to complete my BA (hons) Integrated Working with Children and families.
On a final note, I would advocate to anyone contemplating further study that the benefits outweigh the negatives. I hope I am also a role model to others and recognise that age is irrelevant, you can reach your goals.”