Q&A with former Access to HE Learner, Leanne Rigby

Q. Why did you choose to return to education?

A. I was working as a carer at the time and even though I loved my job, knew that I was capable of more. I wanted to go into nursing and become a professional within the NHS. However, I didn’t have the relevant qualifications.

Q. Why did you choose Newcastle College?

A. I live in Newcastle and so it was a decision based around location. However, I had also heard great things about the Access course and so this was always going to be my first choice.

Q. How did you juggle completing your assignments alongside your work and family commitments?

A. I was still caring at the time as well as being a student on Access to there were times when it was tricky. But I managed to juggle things and organise my time effectively so that I could do both.

Q. How did the Access to HE course prepare you for university?

A. University is a big jump. You have to complete academic assignments as well as completing all the various placements, but the Access to HE course prepared me really well. The studying side is pretty much the same really, working hard on assignments to gain the best grades you can.

Q. What help and support did you receive from the lecturers?

A. I was there for two years in total and felt really well supported. If there was ever something troubling me (academic or personal) then I knew I could speak to staff and they would guide me or reassure me.

Q. What are you doing now?

A. I am a registered nurse at the Royal Stoke working for UHNM.

Q. What is your future goal/plan?

A. My future goal would be to work in the sexual health sector. This is something I am really interested in.

Q. Describe your time on the Access course?

A. Hard work and challenging…….but totally worthwhile and life changing!

If you've been inspired by Leanne's story, find out more about studying an Access to HE course at Newcastle College.