I never thought I would ever end up with a degree, but I did it! Now I believe in myself. I believe that I can also achieve a MA. So I really am halfway there…
Why was I a late starter when it came to my education?
I was bullied at school and fell into a world of depression and self-harm at at 15. To cut a long story short, I left school early, with no qualifications.
At 16 I started wok as a sale assistant in a shop. But always felt that I wanted to do something else with my life.
At 19 I was a single, working mum! But still, I thought there was more I could do.
At 23 I discovered the Open University. I completed a Certificate in Humanities. Yay! Indeed the Art History side was fantastic, but I discovered that I had a deeper passion for English Literature!
Two more children, work, ill health, and several other factors prevented me from further study.
In 2010, I looked back at the dreams I had as a child. I always wanted to become a teacher. But not only do you need a degree, you also need GCSEs in Maths and English. I had neither. So, I went to college and spent a year studying for my GCSEs in Maths and English, and got both. A year later I was signed up to study full-time at University to study English.
In 2014 I graduated. I actually graduated! I really do feel like I’ve come a long way, and it would mean the world to me if I could continue on this amazing journey.
A Masters would further enrich my mind and educational needs.
I’ve met so many inspirational tutors on my way, and I feel that I want to inspire others in return. I therefore intend to study a PGCE in post-compulsory education after I have completed my MA – which would indeed make my childhood dream, come true!
Why I need help
I am not eligible for the new postgraduate bursary, because you need to be under the age of 30. And as a parent (who has already accumulated a mountain of debt during my undergraduate studies), I am not in a position to take out further loans.
Where will the money go?
All of the funding will pay for my tuition fees.
Any additional funds raised will be donated to charity.