How university changed my life

When I enrolled onto an undergraduate degree to study mental health and wellbeing back in 2017, I wondered if I’d made the biggest mistake of my life. Having been out of education for over 16 years and having three children aged 12 and under, I suddenly felt way out of my depth.

Although I’d achieved better GCSEs than I had ever imagined, I’d never considered myself an academic. I enrolled onto a college course in travel and tourism at 16 and before the end of the second term, I left and took a job in a local factory. In the years after that, I jumped from job to job, working to provide for my young family in any employment I could secure – from chip shop to retail, care work to support work.

Eventually, I found myself contemplating my life, and realised I was never truly happy in the working roles I had. I decided to enrol onto a degree at Wrexham Glyndŵr University.

Attending my first class was the most daunting experience of my life. I found myself sat with strangers who all appeared so much more professional and knowledgeable than me. That feeling of imposter syndrome took over. I imagined that at any given moment I’d be asked to leave the class due to an admin error.

But with each submission I handed in, my marks arrived back far higher than I’d estimated, and I slowly came round to my new life as a student.

I finally felt worthy of my place. As each year passed, I became more confident as an adult learner. I revelled in the opportunity of becoming a student peer mentor, volunteered at numerous placements and created the Health and Wellbeing Society with a fellow student. I had opportunities to network with engaging individuals and made friends who I will treasure for life.

In my final year of study, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. I was faced with a dissertation, five new modules and Zoom to get my head around, all while dealing with lockdown and home schooling. I was stressed and lonely.

But it all felt worthwhile when, after four years of study, I finally graduated with a First.

After graduating, I suddenly felt lost. I was unsure what the next chapter of my life would be. I didn’t feel ready to leave university – I was enjoying learning more than I’d ever imagined. That’s when I made the decision to enrol on the PGCE (Post-Compulsory Education and Training) degree and become a post-compulsory educator.

And as I approach the end of my second degree, I could not feel prouder of what I have achieved. I am a 37-year-old married mum of three, and I have a hectic home life, family commitments and two crazy dogs – but I still managed to complete a degree, even through a pandemic.

My working life currently consists of weekdays in an alternative provision for Key Stage 4 pupils as a teaching assistant and long weekend shifts at mental health units. My work allows me to meet the most interesting and diverse people within the community.

Despite the long hours and hectic life I currently have alongside completing the final assessments for my PGCE, I still enjoy every moment. And I can’t wait to see what my newfound knowledge and alumni status will bring to my future career.