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At 16, I left the children's home I was living in to live independently. It was all a bit daunting, but thankfully my school was extremely supportive. I took my GCSE's and then went on into the sixth form.
I'd always assumed I'd go to university, but the reality of independent living combined with studying was harder than I'd anticipated. So after 1 year in the sixth form I packed up to go abroad for 6 months.
It was a few years later that I returned to education, and was looking for a part time course after having my son. This started me on the path to training as a counsellor.
I really enjoyed this course and then after working for a few years within the counselling field looked into doing some further study: but soon realised the motivation to do any further therapeutic based training had long gone.
So I investigated courses on offer at the local university and chose one which sounded fun!
Here I am now coming to the end of the first year of a Theatre degree as a 'mature' student.
I'd highly recommend education as a way of learning more about yourself, and of widening choices. For me, achieving in education has enhanced my self esteem greatly, and I believe this may be one of the greatest benefits, particularly for care experienced people. |