Stacy didn’t believe she would go on to study at university after her A-Levels didn’t go to plan, but as she now works towards her PhD, she says returning to education at 28 was “the best experience of her life”.
Stories like Stacy’s underpin the upcoming session at the Careers Café where University of Hull mature student support advisors will be on hand to speak with residents about the benefits of returning to education when aged 21 and over.
The event takes place on Thursday 11 June from 11am to 2pm, where residents are invited to pop in for a coffee and a chat at the café, located next to Trespass in Freshney Place.
Sharing her concerns before going back to education, Stacy said: “My biggest concerns were that I would be the oldest person in a sea of 18-year-olds and I’d struggle to fit in. I was also concerned about whether I would be able to step up and produce work to the standards required, but with the help of the Skills Team and supportive tutors, I thrived in this environment.”
Another student, Lisa, also found her route into higher education later in life, progressing from Access to Health and Social Care into a Paediatric Nursing degree. She said she had similar worries about fitting in and keeping up, but added that she “always felt supported by staff, lecturers and her peers.”
Stephen’s journey shows that even if you already have a degree, you can go back to university later to learn new skills. He started studying part-time at the University of Hull in 2006, focusing on Arts and Humanities. He then completed a Master’s degree in Historical Research. After taking a seven-year break, he returned to finish a PhD.
He said he initially felt daunted starting university in his 40s, but was reassured by the number of other mature students and the support available.
Together, these stories form part of a wider effort to encourage more adults in North East Lincolnshire to consider upskilling and higher education, showing that it is never too late to achieve new goals.
The University of Hull drop-in event is being held for anyone interested in exploring their options. Advisers will be available to discuss courses, funding and routes into higher education, including information about their up coming ‘summer school’ for people thinking about studying for a degree but want to test the water first.
For more information on local learning opportunities, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/adult-education-and-learning or drop into the Careers Café in Freshney Place, open Monday to Friday for careers, skills and training support.
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