At sixteen, I was placed into care and all at once I couldn’t see myself continuing with education let alone university. After many college courses at the age of 19 I decided that I wanted to “become” something and prove to myself that I can do anything once I put my mind to it. After attending many open days and university events I found that I was supported as a care leaver through the university of Bradford. This is something which I have never seen myself as and it really stood out because I felt no other university had picked up on this. The staff at the university, after my UCAS application, had contacted me swiftly to let me know of support which was available to me as a care leaver. I was appointed a key person who would help me if I needed it. This was special to me as no other university had offered this support to me.
University to me has been a place where I have grown academically and personally. This was where I landed my first job as a student ambassador, which was offered to me at the start of university. My confidence has developed and with graduating I have shown myself that I am capable of doing anything. University was always a place which I was worried I would not fit in but this has never been an issue. I feel “at home” and comfortable because I know everybody because everyone is always sociable and welcoming.
Success for me has always been proving to myself that I can do anything once I put my mind to it. It has never been about earning lots of money but having a sense of pride that I am capable of anything. Which graduating in Criminology and Criminal Behaviour has proved to myself that I can do anything
University has impacted my life in many positive ways:
I have been shown that even though without intermediate family, I have always felt supported and cared for throughout my 4 years of education.
I have gained lots of confidence in my academic work whereas before I would worry about everything.
I have met loads of students who are studying different courses and have made lots of friends and professional relationships with lecturers.
I hope that my degree will allow me to peruse a career in the criminal justice system. This degree has opened lots of doors to me and there are many different career options which are available rather than prison work. My degree has taken me into studying a postgraduate course because I was very interested in a particular subject which I wrote my dissertation on.
The key points to this are:
Never let yourself feel like you cannot do anything because you’re a care leaver. At most universities you will be supported throughout your degree and will never feel alone. Engage with career events, speak with peers/carers about your ambitions and see where it takes you. University is such a fantastic place to grow academically and socially, don’t be worried about fitting in because at university you will feel at home once you’re settled in.
Aimee, University of Bradford, Criminology and Criminal Behaviour Graduate.
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
