Madeleine – BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies

Hometown: Hayle

Course: FdA Childhood Education & BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies

Career: Owner and Manger, The Art Cafe, Penzance

My Story:

Starting her Higher Education journey with the Childhood Education Foundation degree at the Penwith Campus, Madeleine thrived scoring 90% in her assignment and after finishing her degree decided to enrol on the one year the BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies top up degree. During her studies, Madeline worked in a private provision school for children and young people with autism enabling her to have real life work experience alongside studying.

Alumni Madeleine is passionate about wellbeing and following her graduation, now owns and runs The Art Cafe in Penzance. Madeline explains: “The Art Cafe places focuses on positive wellbeing; I use local produce and we focus on reuse and recycle with minimal waste. I oversee every aspect of the cafe and am trying to provide a holistic eatery, connecting to the community and making the cafe a safe space for everyone.”

Reflecting on her time studying with us, Madeleine found a safe space that encouraged her educational and personal growth which has allowed her to flourish post-graduation. Alongside running business, Madeleine is also training to be a counsellor so that she can continue to help others in all aspects of life.

Madeleine said: “I never thought this would be the course I would take but I thoroughly enjoy psychology and am very passionate about mental wellbeing and interacting with others. My degree thoroughly helped me prepare for my counselling training. I am very passionate about psychology, the mind and wellbeing.”

“I really value my time at Penwith for helping shape me into the person I am today. Penwith college helped me grow and provided me with a constant safe space. Staff never gave up on my education or me and they helped me to see the value in keeping going despite how hard things were or how many times I wanted to give up. I will always be thankful to the Penwith staff.”

“The lecturers and staff are so helpful, caring and supportive, they made sure we all had the support we needed to not only pass but thrive during our times at Penwith. Amanda Miller was a fantastic lecturer and tutor – she provided so much support and time to all students and Helen Foster was brilliant, if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have a degree today.”

“I found our class sizes meant we had the lecturer’s attention and were able to ask questions 1-1. It enabled us to get to know all of our peers and form friendships that I still have now.”

“Although the course was full time, I was still able to work alongside as the course was only 2 days per week.”

“I never thought this would be the course I would take but I thoroughly enjoy psychology and am very passionate about mental wellbeing and interacting with others.”

Madeleine’s advice to others looking to follow in her footsteps is: “You’d be surprised at how much your life can change in a year or 2… if you’re willing to follow your goals and work on the small stepping stones to get there. Every footstep in the right direction counts!”