Julie's Story - 2+2 Health and Social Policy

Name: Julie
Course: BA (Hons) Health and Social Policy [2+2]

Julie Marziano, received her BA honours degree in Health and Social Policy during Warwick’s summer graduation ceremonies.

Mrs Marziano, who has two birth children, two adopted and three fostered, is the first person in her family to enter higher education and is inspiring her children and husband, Salvatore, to follow suit.

She said: “I had never even considered that I would study for and graduate with a degree. I only realised it was an option for me when I started looking with my son when he was 17.

"He was considering going to university, and we discovered that I could too.

“As it was, he joined the RAF and I ended up being the one going to university.”

Mrs Marziano gained her degree via the 2+2 route, studying at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College for two years and then the University of Warwick for the final two years of her BA in Health and Social Policy. She originally went to school in Leicestershire but left in 1983, age 16.

“I don’t regret the route I took - I have had some great jobs, I’ve travelled, I’ve been happily married for 30 years and I’ve loved bringing up the kids, but I always felt there was an outstanding thing that I wanted to do. And actually, studying at this stage in my life, I feel that I was ready – I perhaps couldn’t have done it in my twenties."

Jon's story- 2+2 Health and Social Policy

Name: Jon
Course: BA (Hons) Health and Social Policy [2+2]

Jon joined us at CLL in 2014 on our 2+2 Degree Pathway, after 30 years out of the education system. Originally working in retail and sales manager roles, the 2+2 has changed Jon’s career pathway significantly and he graduated with a First Class Degree in BA (Hons) Health and Social Policy in the Summer 2018 Ceremony.

During his time at CLL he also worked as a student ambassador, promoting CLL and the opportunities at Warwick for people to return to study, working events such as Godiva Festival, Nuneaton Carnival and Coventry Pride.

Jon studied his first two years of the 2+2 at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College before moving onto Warwick campus and majoring in Health and Social Policy.

"I am very grateful to Anne Grimley and the staff at NWHC for their support as well as all CLL. It is not an easy transition into HE at my age although the best testament is ‘I would do it all again’. Personally, it has been a fantastic journey from where I started to having a degree and ambitions."

Jon’s final year dissertation; “What are the barriers mature students face when accessing HE?”, which analyses the inequalities, struggles and experiences of mature students in the HE sector, was submitted to the BCUR in his final term and he travelled to Sheffield to present his dissertation to the conference of Undergraduate Research.

Upon graduating Jon gained two scholarships from the University to continue his passion of Social Research to masters level, due to start in October 2018.

Nicolie's Story - Gateway to HE

Name: Nicolie
Course: Gateway to HE, BA (Hons) Social Studies [Full-time]

Former dental nurse Nicolie Murphy decided to return to education to gain new academic skills.

She enrolled on The Gateway to HE course to sample what it would be like to return to study, before successfully gaining a place on the BA (Hons) Social Studies degree.

Originally from South Africa, Nicolie, who now lives in Coventry, was delighted to hear that she had achieved the highest possible grade from her degree at Warwick.

“I didn’t think l could achieve a first, but l was very determined to achieve a first,” said Nicolie.

"I think the CLL has played a pivotal role in my return to higher education. I have been quite lucky, as l have had the opportunity to meet the supportive staff."

I think it is the best decision you can do, as l believe anybody can achieve if they really want to, provided they are given the opportunity to try."

Nicolie, who said her family are "elated" at her achievements, is keen to encourage others to pursue education.

“I have learnt that life is what you make it, and the biggest obstacle I have faced was my own self-doubt. After building confidence in myself throughout the degree, l have learnt that l can achieve further.

“ Put the self-doubt in the closet and just go for it. Particularly since life throws hurdles all the time.

“ I think it is the best decision you can do, as l believe anybody can achieve if they really want to, provided they are given the opportunity to try."

Ray's story - Gateway to HE

Name: Ray
Course: Gateway to HE, BA (Hons) Social Studies [Part-time]

Ray left education in 1969 with some qualifications.

During his working life, he has been involved in training for over 20 years as a tutor, training manager, NVQ Centre co-ordinator/manager and a self-employed trainer, supply teacher and was heavily involved in NVQ’s as an assessor and internal verifier and also their training, and production of NVQ. Ray also served 12 years in the army, leaving as a Sgt Chief Clerk.

After retiring in February 2017 however, Ray decided he was up for a new challenge.

His daughter, who was studying her first year of Criminology and Psychology at Coventry University would ask Ray for help proofreading her assignments and they would often discuss her studies and the subjects surrounding them.

After learning about the Gateway to HE course, Ray applied and began studying on the FREE 12 week programme.

His group became the first group to introduce Slack, an online space for students to share notes and discuss assignments.

After successful completion of the Gateway to HE programme, Ray joined CLL as a Part-time student in BA (Hons) Social Studies where he is currently sitting modules for his first year.

Rachel's story - MA Social Work

Name: Rachel
Course: BA (Hons) Social Studies [2+2], MA Social Work

After leaving her secondary school with a handful of ‘GCSEs’, Rachel has now graduated with a degree from the University of Warwick and is studying her final year of her MA Social Work.

Rachel, didn’t meet the qualifications traditionally needed to go to university, and instead opted for a career in administration for more than a decade before hearing about the courses CLL offer. She applied for, and successfully completed, our 2+2 degree pathway and graduated with an upper second class degree in the Summer 2017 Ceremony.

After completing her first year of her MA Social Work, she was also offered a job over her summer break by the placement she had been attending as part of training on the course.

“I still can’t quite believe I’ve completed the degree and I’ve graduated. I’m very proud of myself. I’ve done something I never thought I’d be able to do”, Rachel said. "For years I wanted to do something else but had no idea what. I needed more of a challenge."

Rachel chose to study for the first two years of her degree at Coventry College before moving over to Warwick for the final two years of her 2+2 degree and the MA in Social Work.

“My motivation to return to education was realising I couldn’t work in administration for the rest of my life. I always found it easy and at times very boring. For years I wanted to do something else but had no idea what. I needed more of a challenge.”

Rachel, who wants to become a Social Worker specialising in cases involving child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, said that she would encourage others to return to education.

“Do not let your own thoughts or thoughts from family and friends put you off. Thoughts like ‘I’m not clever enough’ or ‘I’d never be able to afford to do it’ or ‘I’m too old’ are just myths, and if you really want to do something and make the changes in your own life you really can.”

Emma's Story - Part-time Degree

Name: Emma
Course: BA (Hons) History [Part-time]

Emma came across the CLL almost by accident and is now in the final year of her degree after studying part-time for 6 years. Returning as a mature student, she says she "felt so glad I took that giant leap of faith."

Emma left school with a few qualifications and did not believe she was academically minded, but she felt that the challenge to study at the University of Warwick was a challenge which should not be missed.

"I felt very brave. It is a real challenge but I would encourage anyone. Warwick University has great facilities and support for students of all ages and disciplines which I look forward to sharing with all those I meet."

Shaheen's Story - MA Career Development and Coaching Studies

Name: Shaheen
Course: BA (Hons) Social Studies [2+2], MA Career Development and Coaching Studies

Shaheen's highest qualification before joining CLL was GCSEs, now she is a Graduate of both the 2 + 2 Social Studies undergraduate course and MA in Career Development and Coaching Studies. She previously worked in factories, schools and run her own business.

After marrying at a young age, Shaheen felt like A-levels and University were no longer an option to her. However, when her marriage broke down later in life, she decided she wanted to pursue a different path and wished to take up the opportunities she missed out on.

"I still had the passion for learning and felt that I had missed opportunities to gain qualifications on the Higher Education front." She says.

"I was at a crossroads as to what kind of career I wanted, but I knew it was working directly with vulnerable individuals and supporting them to take positive steps forward."

Shaheen researched courses in the area suitable for mature students, that could fit around family and other commitments. A career guidance worker suggested the 2 + 2 social studies course.

"I was apprehensive because I had only GCSEs and no A-Levels but went for it anyway. I was given an unconditional offer after my interview and my journey of eight years in higher education started."

After graduating, Shaheen went on to study at postgraduate level, starting the Careers Development and Coaching Masters . The programme provided her with an insight into the changing nature of paid work, the shifting world of careers and employment.

"It has given me a foundation to build further knowledge of the labour market and help to guide others into meaningful employment and education."

Since graduating with an undergraduate and masters degree, Shaheen has worked with vulnerable people in various roles including; a mental health support worker, healthy minds support worker and spearheading a domestic violence and forced marriages unit. She is currently working as a civil servant and mental health first aider.

"I’ve learned that it is never too late to learn, and my brain can retain information and I can get out of my comfort zone to achieve my dreams. I have extended my own chances of getting roles in different employment sectors and become a good positive role model for my children."

Yustika's Story - MA Career Development and Coaching Studies

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Yeni's Story - MA Career Development and Coaching Studies

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Sue's Story - Postgraduate Diploma in Education

Name: Sue
Course: BA (Hons) Social Studies [2+2], Post Graduate Diploma in Education

Former bank manager and Mother, Susan Adcock, wanted to return to education in order to pursue a career change after, but soon realised she didn’t meet the traditional entry requirements needed to do a degree at university.

But after spotting a prospectus for CLL in her local supermarket, she found a route to a degree that didn’t have traditional entry requirements.

She’s since graduated with a 2:1 in Social Studies through our 2+2 degree route, and just completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) this year.

Sue's placement was based at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, where she has taught a variety of subjects such as Health and Social Policy and study skills. Additionally, she has taught Leadership and Management on two other programmes run at the college. She plans to continue working in the FE sector.

Sue studied for two years at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College (NWHC) before finishing her final two years at The University of Warwick for her undergraduate degree and spending an additional at the University to complete her undergraduate.

“I found that it doesn’t matter if you have not achieved academically in the past if you want to learn The University of Warwick’s Centre for Lifelong Learning gives the support and encouragement to achieve.”

After seeing Sue’s achievements, her daughter Sam enrolled on the course and has just completed her second year of the same degree, and Sue’s son Scotthas just finished his first year. Husband Michael, has successfully completed the Centre’s Gateway to Higher Education course, a free 18-week programme that allows adult learners to sample what it would be like to return to education without committing to a full degree. He is now starting an undergraduate degree with CLL this October 2018.

“If it is the right thing for you, I would encourage anyone and everyone to return to education. The most important thing you need is enthusiasm for learning.”

Clare's Story - BA (Hons) Earlychildhood

Name: Clare
Course: BA (Hons) Earlychildhood [Foundation]

Clare worked in a corporate setting before joining the course, but when she became a mum, her outlook changed and her career goals. Deciding that she wanted to work with children, Clare realised she didn't have qualifications to do so and applied for the EarlyChildhood Foundation Degree.

Working Part-time Clare was able to balance studying and family around her work commitments.

"I'm in quite a privileged position really. We have two essays per module, which are spread out quite evenly so not too work intensive.

She now plans to become a teacher upon completing the course.

"My child changed the direction of my life." Clare says. "The positives of joining as an adult learner are, you really know what you want. I really didn't know this is what I wanted to do when I was leaving school. But now this is definitely the field I need to be in."

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12 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing, elit malesuada dui porttitor viverra interdum accumsan, maecenas eget taciti donec morbi. Dictumst quis nisi odio natoque auctor inceptos, fringilla potenti class donec interdum enim, sociosqu ultricies sociis turpis rhoncus. Eros suspendisse sollicitudin posuere habitant auctor nibh tellus dignissim rutrum, imperdiet volutpat feugiat at nec orci molestie nullam dapibus, lectus justo malesuada gravida pulvinar nam vulputate leo. Interdum dis ultrices neque aptent eu dui erat mauris cursus, augue feugiat bibendum vehicula nam sociis porta quis parturient, nostra nulla et dictum libero nec semper pharetra. Tempor ac aenean netus risus dignissim urna, sociis magna eleifend praesent fringilla fames, cum pellentesque inceptos porttitor habitant. Fermentum cum quam fringilla mauris montes tempus suspendisse, phasellus commodo pulvinar nullam leo malesuada, senectus eros justo nascetur imperdiet lacinia.