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Gillian Foad

Degree studied: Primary Education with QTS

Getting back into education as a mature student

I worked for a bank for 26 years and had been considering making a career change for some time, but circumstances had never seemed right. 

I finally decided it was now or never. It was quite a scary decision to make but it has proved to be the best thing I have ever done.

I looked at many universities but I knew straight away that if I was lucky enough to be offered a place, then St Mary's was the best one for me. I really like the fact that the campus is not enormous, it is a friendly place to be and it is nice to see familiar faces around.

Before I came here I was a little worried whether or not as a mature student I would fit in; I need not have worried, there are others and I am not on my own.  The younger students have all been very friendly too and I have not felt out of place among them.

The support and encouragement I receive from my lecturers is excellent and I am able to approach them anytime for any advice or help I need.

The workload is quite heavy, but I have found that being organised is the key: work hard and keep on top of everything and it all falls into place.  And although the course is very hard work, it is totally worthwhile and fulfilling.  

Getting back into education has been quite a strange experience, but I am really enjoying it and I know it is the best decision I have ever made.

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