Alexa, 28, chose Leeds Trinity University as her first choice to study due to the range of modules on her course, including child psychology, understanding family dynamics and therapeutic interventions with families. She was first drawn to Leeds Trinity after discovering that four people she worked with had attended or were currently studying at the University and had spoken highly of it.

Alongside her studies, Alexa played a key part in the University-wide project Our Community: Building and Belonging, which focused on growing a sense of connection around campus through a series of campaigns and events exploring diversity, culture, heritage, sport and identity.

Alexa is now working full-time as an Adoption Advisor at One Adoption West Yorkshire, having secured the role two weeks before submitting her final dissertation project – for which she achieved a First – and starting two weeks later.

Alexa said: “I never thought I had the ability to succeed at university, but Leeds Trinity has given me a serious confidence boost in myself. It has helped me to establish my future career plans and given me the confidence to know I can do it.

“Leeds Trinity has opened many doors for me. I am currently working in supporting vulnerable children which is a huge achievement and something I have always wanted to do.

“I was really worried about coming to university as an older student and concerned I wouldn’t make any friends, but I am so proud of myself. I am sad this part of my journey is over but I am interested in continuing to develop my knowledge and maybe one day go on to complete a Master’s in Social Work.”

Syra Shakir, Programme Lead for Working with Children, Young People and Families, said: “Alexa has excelled during her time at Leeds Trinity, both academically – as she achieved the Programme Prize – and in terms of getting the most out of her overall university experience.

“Alexa played a key role in the Our Community: Building and Belonging project, demonstrating right from the start a commitment and engagement to equity and social justice. She spent considerable time reading relevant literature and research in the field and always contributed with energy and enthusiasm.

“At the same time, Alexa worked hard to apply for graduate roles alongside completing her final year modules and secured a job even before she had submitted for her final module. Well done, Alexa!”

Leeds Trinity University recently achieved an overall student satisfaction score of 80% in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2022 results, making it joint top in Yorkshire and the Humber and joint 25^th in the UK for this measure.

The NSS 2022 results follow the recent publication of the Higher Education Statistics Agency’s Graduate Outcomes survey. This places Leeds Trinity University top in Yorkshire for employability, and 15^th in the UK, with 97% of its graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies.

Find out more about the Working with Children, Young People and Families course on the Leeds Trinity website.