"What do you want to do when you leave school?" was a question I dreaded being asked; I simply didn't know. I left education in 1987, university was not an option for me coming from a single parent, disadvantaged background and I immediately embarked upon the world of work, armed only with three mediocre O Levels and a Diploma in Office Practice. I found employment stimulating and worked quickly, burning my way through departments until I could climb the ladder no further. This led to a malaise and general boredom of being stuck in uninspiring employment posts and my aspirations constantly stunted by my lack of qualifications.

I enrolled in evening classes to improve my employment opportunities and after qualifying as a management accountant I applied for a bursar role within a secondary school. I was unsuccessful at the interview but was contacted by the school to apply for a practical learning teaching position. It was here where I developed my passion for teaching. I finally realised my career goal but was once again thwarted by my lack of qualifications. After successfully achieving the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status in partnership with Leeds Trinity University and my employer, it was suggested I apply for the foundation degree in Supporting Learning and Additional Needs. It took me two years to pluck up courage to enrol, and an area of concern was finance as I couldn't afford fees and I didn't want to give up my job which I loved but also needed for an income. And then I met Clarrie. She steered me through Student Finance, making this a feasible option and explained that because this was a work-based degree, it meant I could keep my job alongside my studies. 

However, my biggest area of concern was my own confidence; could I do this? Was I capable of getting a degree? On reflection (a word you will definitely become acquainted with during degree studies), the hardest part of my learning journey was walking through those doors on the first day. However, once I settled into the course and became accustomed with 'uni life' I flourished (student discounts helped!). The support offered, both on and off campus, was amazing. I never felt out of my depth, except with my own self-doubts, but many hands in the guise of tutors, programme leaders, support services, IT support and wellbeing, picked me up and carried me through my studies. 

This was especially vital during the Covid-19 pandemic and also the sad loss of my beautiful mum, my best friend, and my biggest fan. Thanks to the Leeds Trinity gang, I was able to navigate through the syllabus with the help of support from my peers in the form of a critical friendship group. I managed to channel everything going on in my life into my studies and found a strength I did not know I possessed during the most difficult three years of my life. I got through it and despite everything life hurled at me, I managed to achieve not only a First-Class Honours Degree, but I also won the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for both my foundation and bachelor’s degree. My only regret is that my mum did not get to see me graduate. Education is empowering, not just in the work or learning environment but in all walks of life. At fifty years old I am living my best life, meeting new people, broadening my horizons with every journal I read as well as empowering and inspiring my own children to embrace education. So, as I now embark on my new journey into my master’s degree in Children and Adolescent Mental Health, in answer to that once detested question – what do I want to be? The answer is simple, anything I choose to be!

Maria Brown graduated with a degree in Professional Practice in Supporting Learning and Additional Needs in July 2021. Find out more about our foundation degree and professional practice programmes on the Leeds Trinity University website.