A hard-working stay-at-home mum has gone against all odds and not only earned her degree, but also bagged herself a permanent counselling position with an adoption service.

Amanda, 43, from Stockton, has always known she had a passion for helping people but lacked the confidence and self-belief to pursue it any further. When suggesting to a close friend that she should sign up for a part-time counselling course at Stockton Riverside College, Amanda was finally convinced that she could do it herself.

Amanda said: “I’ve always known what I wanted to do but I always thought I wasn’t clever enough or confident enough. As a single mum of four, I felt like I was expected to fail but the tutors at the college looked after me and continued to remind me that I could do it.”

After achieving her level 2 and level 3 qualifications in Counselling, Amanda then went on to study a Counselling degree, making her the first in her family to get one. Amanda has also secured permanent employment at a local adoption therapy following a successful placement.

Amanda added: “I am over the moon, I never thought I could achieve the level 2, let alone a degree and now I have a job doing what I love! Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy, especially with Covid-19 going on. My children were amazing and such a huge support for me, I’m so glad I can now show them they can achieve whatever they put their minds to. I’m so grateful to all of the staff at Stockton Riverside College who helped me every step of the way.”