“The course was a good transition back into education and it’s so worth it – you really can achieve what you put your mind to.”

Name: Becky

Hometown: Newquay

Course Studied: Access to Higher Education: Nursing and Human Sciences

What’s Next: Oxford Brookes University to study Paediatric Nursing

My Story

Becky, from Newquay, enrolled on the Access to HE Diploma in Nursing and Human Sciences at the University Centre Truro and Penwith to gain the qualifications she needed to achieve her dream of heading to university to study Paediatric Nursing.

After a long period of time out of education, Becky realised her passion lay in Nursing and found the accessibility of the Access course at the University Centre a key factor in her being able to pursue this, as she did not have the prior qualifications to allow her to study at university level.

Becky said: “Later in life, sometimes you realise what you want to do, and it’s good that these courses exist so you can do that.

“The course was a good transition back into education and it’s so worth it – you really can achieve what you put your mind to.”

Partway through the course, she experienced serious health difficulties that turned her world upside down. Despite spending time in hospital and recovering at home, Becky stayed in close contact with her tutors and classmates. She worked on assignments from her hospital bed and never lost sight of her goal.

Her resilience paid off: Becky completed the Access Diploma with an impressive set of merit and distinction grades and has now secured her place to study Paediatric Nursing at Oxford Brookes University.

Becky’s incredible dedication was recognised with a £500 Excellence Award from the Duchy Health Charity, nominated by her tutors for her inspirational attitude and commitment.

“Becky was so driven to achieve her dream,” says her lecturer, Danielle Pearn. “Even when her health should have been her main focus, she kept going — it was amazing to see. She was always there for her peers and reintegrated as though she’d never been away. She really deserves this award.”

Becky’s experience on the Access to HE Diploma has prepared her for the next step on her nursing journey.

“I enjoyed the small class sizes and the fact that there was a real mix of ages and backgrounds. We covered subjects like psychology, sociology, biology and study skills, all relevant for nursing.”

Becky’s advice for those considering an Access course is: “I think you need to prepare yourself that it is going to be a very full-on nine months. But it’s so worth it. The way the course is structured allows you to achieve your goals even if you haven’t already got the qualifications that you need.”