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Nicola Power

2010: Studying for an Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care), Gloucestershire College
2011: Second year student, BSc (Hons) Social Work, University of Gloucestershire

When I left school, college and university didn't seem like an option for me as I needed to support my mum financially. After working a number of boring office jobs, however, I was encouraged to fulfil my ambition of becoming a social worker. I completed an Access to HE Diploma in Health and Social Care, before starting a degree in Social Work at my local university.

I really didn't know what to expect from the Access to HE course. I was nervous at first, but shouldn't have worried. My tutors were so supportive, offering advice not just on the work, but on finance and childcare. The work was challenging, but I enjoyed pushing myself to learn more. Lots of us discovered just how capable we really were during the course.

I have two young children, but found that with a bit of effective time management, I could complete my assignments and give my kids the attention they needed. My youngest went to nursery while I was at college, so I could get to the library and focus on my studies. I was able to keep on top of college work while still maintaining a healthy family life.

I'm now a year into my degree and the skills I gained on the Access to HE course have really helped me to settle into higher education. Once I've got my degree, I'll be a qualified social worker, and I can't wait to start my new career. The Access to HE qualification helped me realise my full potential and achieve things I never thought were possible!

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