When I began my foundation degree studies at BLC in 2014 I was unsure if I was doing the right thing, indeed I wondered if I was even capable of doing it… I had been out of any form of education as a student for over 10 years, however, I felt stagnant and under-qualified in my role as a primary teaching assistant. Unfortunately, I had also previously lacked the motivation to achieve significant academic success. Yet, I knew I wanted to do more and be more… I was struggling to achieve my full potential, and I knew it.
So, I decided to be brave and apply to the foundation degree course at BLC for Children’s and Young People’s Services, it felt like a huge leap and I was very nervous, but it was now or never. I wanted to try to prove myself.
When I reflect on that decision now, chief among my reasons to enrol was my desire to be a better educational practitioner, I also wanted to make my family proud and (at last) satisfy my intrinsic drive to achieve self-efficacy. I didn’t find returning to study or the course at all easy; at the time, my daughter was 3 and my son 13 – a toddler and a teenager – I must have been crazy! But, with the help of my fantastic family and friends, and utilising the great support from my tutors and classmates provided at college, I kept going.
Then something happened that I never expected…
As I started year three of the foundation degree, I received an email from the University of Derby. Due to my grades in year one and two I had been given the Dean’s Award for Excellence, putting me in the top 10% of the programme. I was stunned, but absolutely thrilled. This gave me the motivation, not only to continue with my studies, but also to strive for the best result possible. It felt like a whole new world of opportunity had been opened to me, I realised that
After completing the foundation degree, I undertook the BA top-up course also at BLC, and graduated with first-class honours, attaining a grade average of 82.4. I am currently enrolled onto the college’s PGCE +14 teacher training qualification, linked with Derby University and am looking forward to graduating again in 2020. Being a BLC student has enabled me to realise my aspirations, encouraged me to think bigger, and their staff have shown me the path to take.
If I could say only two words to a prospective student thinking of enrolling on any course at BLC, they would be – do it! College life is truly what you make it, if you want success it’s there for the taking. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mature student like me, or fresh out of high school, if you are determined and willing to take on board the erudition and advice you’ll be given, you will achieve.
I am an entirely different person now than when I started this journey, I know I’ve still got a long way to go, but the distinction is that now – I know I can do it. And, if I can do it – anybody can!
For further information about the Foundation Degree courses for education visit here.
