My return to education...

In September 2013, after years of making excuses, I made the decision to return to full time education.  Following the birth of my son I found that the previous jobs I had held were not stimulating me and the future career prospects were dismal.  The most recent job that I held was as a Store Trainer in Sainsbury's, teaching hundreds of adults key skills for their jobs on a daily basis, although I thoroughly enjoyed the training element of my role, I found that the people I was training believed that the content was irrelevant and they did not need the skills to enable them to simply 'stack shelves in supermarket'.  I found this frustrating and wanted a career that focused on teaching young children a Primary Education that I would gain greater enjoyment from.  There is nothing worse than trying to teach someone who simply refuses to learn.  As well as the daily frustrations of the role, I also found myself working dramatic hours for a low wage.  Although I understand that I will never be a millionaire as a teacher, I will however be more financially stable.

I chose this course particularly as I felt that the content of the individual modules would benefit in my future career, the university is also close to my home and my sons nursery making the experience possible.

So has my education journey so far been what I expected?  On the whole, yes.  I attend lectures, seminars, workshops and I learn a wealth of interesting information.  Although it may surprise some, I have also enjoyed writing assignment, in the various different formats, as well as the recent exams. The last time I completed an exam was in 2003 for my GCSEs so I am taking each experience with the view that I can learn from then and improve.

One of the struggles that I have faced as a 'mature' student is that I am surrounded mainly by people of a different mind set than myself and I have to remind myself that they are young and they are looking to gain a different student experience than myself.  My idea of a good Wednesday night is curling up with a cup of tea and a film, not Student night on Wind Street.  This has caused some friction when it comes to group work, although I try to motivate others instead of letting it frustrate me.

I am enjoying this course immensely despite some of the struggles I face and I am looking forward to completing the degree and following it with the PGCE before embarking on my career as a primary school teacher.