Going back to school
Before I went back to University to re train to be a Therapist I had lots of jobs.
In my early 20’s I worked in advertising, then I spent quite a few years bumming around the world (seven years in total I think) doing all sorts of things to keep going, not all entirely legal.
When I returned to England aged 33 I was a bit stumped as to what to do next so did an Executive PA course at Lucie Clayton College in London. I then bounced around working for an Estate Agent, a Hollywood Film Producer, an Author and a Conductor.
Finally I set up a Record label with someone I met at Glastonbury but then my worlds collided. My marriage ended, my business failed and suddenly I was at home with no husband, no job and a baby. ‘Bloody hell’, I thought ‘how did this happen?’
I stupidly thought things couldn’t get any worse. I was wrong, they got much, much, much worse, (see my story).
When I found myself recovering from a breakdown in the country with a young child, a Golden Retriever, a cat and a rabbit, I really wasn’t sure what my ‘second act’ would look like. I did a couple of little things to earn a bit of cash, not all entirely fun, and then really began to seriously think how I wanted the future to look for my daughter and I.
Fast forward a year and I found myself enrolling at Gloucestershire University to begin training to be a Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I studied for one year to pass Levels 2 & 3 CPCAB in Therapeutic Counselling, I then did a Foundation Degree and a BA top up (3 years), finally leaving me with the letters; FdA BA Hons, after my name. I feel pretty proud of that.
During the Pandemic I did a level 7 Advanced Post Graduate Diploma and next year I’m hoping to do a PhD, far further than I ever thought I would go academically when I was younger.
So here’s the thing; some people do much better studying when they are adults and I definitely fall into that category.
But studying, retraining with a young child is not easy.
To help you make up your mind if study is right for you here are my ‘tip top tips’ for going back to school.
If you have a story that you would like to share about study/school/college/uni etc, or any tips to put out into the community, please email us at: info@theriseofthesinglemother.com
1. Sit down and make a list of things that interest you that you could turn into a job.
Remember if you like your subject, study seems less of a chore.
2. Work out what you can afford.
If you don’t have a degree and that’s what you want you can get a student loan for this but consider whether you want to put yourself in debt. 3 years of study can work out very expensive but the good news is as a single parent it’s possible to get grants and bursaries.
3. Speak to the Student Loan Company.
Look at the SLC online and the Government website; www.Gov.UK. There is a wealth of information online but you can also pick up the phone and speak to The Student Loan Company directly, they are really kind and helpful. You can also find out about bursary top ups, as well as grants and bursaries offered directly by which ever institution you go to. You can also claim through Student Finance for a ‘Parents Learning Allowance’ and If you are disabled claim a further allowance to support you. You won’t get all your fees and living costs paid for by a bursary or grant (probably), but every little helps right?
4. Consider studying part time.
This might help with childcare but also allow you to work too. Your local authority can also advise you if you can get a ‘Fee Grant’ if going part time.
5. Remember a degree is not the only qualification available.
How about an NVQ or a BTEC? For these you can get Adult Learning Grants, take a look at www.gov.uk/grant-bursary-adult-learners.
6. Look online to see what resources you can access for free.
There is lots of help available to support your learning and if you are lacking confidence in your ability to study or write essays look for; essay writing workshops, exam skills workshops and ask for extra help from your tutor. Don’t be shy to ask for help or worry if you feel a bit overwhelmed at first.
7. Brush up on your computer skills.
8. Don’t worry about ‘fitting in’.
If the thought of being in a classroom with a bunch of 18-year-olds feels daunting, try not to worry. Generally undergraduates of any age understand what it means to return to or start your academic journey if older. Many may even respect and enjoy the wisdom you bring to the room and be amazed you are doing all this with a child. It’s also worth remembering there may well be other mature students on your course.
9. Be realistic in your academic aspirations.
If you are going to study make sure you are not biting off more than you can chew. Start gently by going back to night school if you didn’t do well in GCSE’s or A’Levels and look at different kinds of qualifications, a degree is really not the only way.
10. Find the best way for you to study.
Some people love learning online and do very well with learning platforms like The Open University. I have realised I learn best in a classroom. When the Post Graduate I was doing was moved online at the beginning of the Pandemic I wasn’t sure how I would adjust. Zoom classrooms allowed me to still engage with my fellow students and tutors which I found worked well for me and whilst maybe not as good as face to face it did mean I could still continue my studies and get my Diploma.
11. Ask your support network if they will help if you return to school, college or university.
12. Don’t be afraid to ask for help generally.
Ask other single parents how they have got on managing study and talk to admissions offices of schools, colleges and Universities. They are mostly really helpful.
13. Finally, HAVE FUN… !
And if you’re not having fun, stop. Don’t be afraid to quit if it’s too much or feel you have to continue if it’s ruining your life.
Oh yes, and share your stories and tips with us, we’d love to hear how you went back to school. Let’s post a picture of you with your certificate or cap and gown!
Send to info@theriseofthesinglemother.com.
