A somewhat unrealistic dream has turned in to reality for a single mother of two thanks to the help of Stockton Riverside College.
After previously working in a nursery, Rebecca always knew she had a passion for working with children but it wasn’t until she become a mother herself that she realised she had a passion for the health and development side of things.
Having tried courses in animal care and bouncing from jobs in retail to childcare, Rebecca always struggled to find the right fit for herself and her two young girls. Having lost faith in the education system, the dream of becoming a children’s nurse seemed impossible but it was a recommendation at a Teesside University open event that pointed her in the direction of the Access to Higher Education Health course at Stockton Riverside College.
Rebecca said: “The course was perfect, it helped me achieve the necessary qualifications to get on a child nursing course at university and it was flexible enough that it could work around my life at home.”
However, after suffering from concentration issues in secondary school, Rebecca was really unsure as to whether or not she could handle the workload.
“I was so nervous when I started the course, but after being offered the dyslexia test and discovering I scored quite high, the support I received throughout was amazing,” she said. “I attended weekly appointments to help me with proofreading my work which definitely contributed to my overall distinction.
“I can’t thank the College and my tutors enough for the help they have given me and I’m now one step closer to my dream career. Becoming a mother really made me want to be the best I could for my daughters but I didn’t feel I had the time, grades or confidence to pursue a career in nursing. The Access to Higher Education route at Stockton Riverside College proved the best option as it helped me achieve my English, maths and also the Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
“Being a single mother of two young children is challenging especially with a college workload and job on top, but the staff and facilities at Stockton Riverside College made everything so much easier. With their help and support I now have the confidence to go ahead and achieve my dream of becoming a children’s nurse and more importantly, make my girls proud!”
