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Nina - Access to Health Studies

"I left school with no qualifications because I didn't think that I needed any. For 4 years after leaving school, I was employed with several different factories either doing manual labour or working on a conveyor belt. I met my husband when I was 19, got married and had the first of our 3 kids at the age of 20.

At the age of 25, when my youngest child was about a year old, for financial reasons and my own sanity I decided that it was time to return to work, only to be faced with the problem that I had absolutely no skills or qualifications. Due to my family commitments, going to college at this time just wasn't an option. I worked at night, as I had no childcare to go out during the day.

I have always thought that I had the ability to get some qualifications, so I made the promise to myself that when all the kids went to school I would go to college. I was scared that at the ripe old age of 30 I was too old and that any course I might take could be just all teenagers. I suppose that I was afraid that I may not have what it takes. After seeing an ad in the local paper, I applied for an access programme.

When my youngest child went to school I started college full time. I chose to do the Access to Health Studies course because this is the fastest way for someone in my position to get to University, and it also left me with options.

I wanted to do something that I was interested in and would give me an opportunity to work in an area where I felt I could make a difference.

I loved the Access year. My lecturers were great, they were always willing to help and they explain things maybe two or three times until you get it right, in fact I didn't know where they got their patience from.

The students on the course also helped each other. Although I enjoyed the course, it was not easy. I have to say that an Access Programme demands a 100% input from you. The work that I have been doing hasn't all been easy and the course does run at a demanding pace.

One of the essential skills that I have learned from being a mother over the last 10 years is the ability to do lots of things at the one time. My kids are still very young and trying to explain to them that I have to do this for myself and for them is difficult, as they just don't understand. I know though that they are proud of what I am doing and that I am at University.

I hope it will give them a positive attitude for their future and make them realise that they to have to get an education.

My family and friends help with childcare. I also tend to study once the kids are in bed. They know it is mum's time. My husband has been supportive and gives me a bit of free time at the weekend as well. I must admit the ironing tends to pile up but my family know I am happy.

I am now at University and love the lab work. After a year on the Access Programme I have surprised myself. I am now a more confident person and really look forward to going into class. I have already looked at career options and hope to start doing some part time work especially during the summer. I will keep my options open. The Access year taught me to think carefully about my decisions and to be aware that I do have options for the future."