Having worked in the Early Years since leaving school, I had begun to consider embarking on further study. A member of staff where I worked was in the process of completing the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Professional Practice and the conversation which she brought back had piqued my interest. I spoke to someone at the University of Worcester to ask for help with my UCAS application in September of 2014 and suddenly, it was the following week and I was beginning the degree in clearing. I completed this degree alongside full time work and raising 2 children, which became 3 at the end of my second year. The support I received throughout this time felt incredibly special and absolutely instrumental in my being able to complete my studies alongside a busy home life.
I had quickly realised I had found my place at the University of Worcester and upon finishing with a 1st class degree in September 2017, I immediately began the MA in Education for no other reason than I was not prepared to leave study and UW behind me. A year and another baby later I graduated the MA with distinction and embarked upon Primary teacher training with TeachFirst. Regularly I would cite the passionate staff at UW for inspiring me to become an educator. I was determined that the empowerment and self-belief that was offered to me during my degree in my early 20s would be something I would try to afford children much earlier in their learning journey.
During my time studying the PGCE at a different university, it became apparent quite what a special place Worcester had been. So, when I was offered the opportunity of a studentship to study a PhD in Educational Leadership I jumped at the chance. I was sad to leave the classroom but having never imagined I would be ‘the type’ to go to university at all, it was wild to me that this opportunity was being presented to me and I had to take it.
Now, I study my PhD part-time alongside a PGCE in Higher Education and a full-time lecturing position within the Department for Children and Families – the same department where I began my journey in 2014. I hope that I can have the same impact for the students I work with that I experienced during my own studies here and am just delighted that I still get to work with the same people who changed so much for me.
My advice for new students would be to be mindful of what limiting beliefs you may have about yourself and be ready to shed them. Also, be warned, if you study at Worcester, you may have trouble ever straying too far thereafter.
