Amazed to find out she was actually better off working and studying part time, Sarah enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Children, Young People and their Services and graduated three years later.
Be inspired by Sarah’s story and find out more by attending one of our University Advice and Guidance Events…
Sarah is a busy single mum of three, dashing between work, school and football training – that doesn’t leave much time to focus on her own career ambitions.
When her youngest child began high school, Sarah started to think about pursuing her life-long dream of becoming a teacher but was unsure whether she could afford – financially and practically – to attend university.
Familiar with Burnley College through her own son’s education, Sarah got in touch with the team at Burnley College University Courses (BCUC) and was surprised to learn she could still work three days a week while studying and gain financial support with a student loan.
Through her degree, Sarah has developed a particular interest in supporting marginalised children with additional emotional and social needs.
Continuing to work as a Teaching Assistant three days a week, Sarah is able to test her academic learnings within a practical classroom setting, and finally feels like she has found her calling.
I have always wanted to be a teacher but, as it often does, life had other plans. I’d always dreamed of pursuing Higher Education but didn’t think I could afford the time off work or the financial cost of going back to university. Now my children are a bit older, it’s time to pursue those dreams I’ve had for years. I wish I’d done it earlier and finally feel like I know what I want to do when I grow up!
Sarah did worry she would be the only “older” student on her course but was pleasantly surprised with the variety of ages and backgrounds of her fellow students.
Delighted with the 1:1 support, personalised learning journey and friendly Lecturers, Sarah now dreams of topping up her Foundation Degree to a full Honours Degree and then pursuing a Masters degree in Social Care.
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