I am 50 years of age, originally from Glasgow in Scotland and left school in 1989, with 8 O' Grades (GCSE’s) and 5 Higher (A Levels). Desperate for a new adventure and to start working and earning, I applied for a job in Television Production in London.
I successfully worked for an independent company in Soho, initially as a Production Runner, progressing finally to Production Manager. I returned to Glasgow for a year, to work for BBC Scotland as Production Manager, before taking time out to travel in 1999.
I travelled throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and America for 2 years.
On return, I moved to Brighton, East Sussex where I worked for American Express, a lifestyle magazine called Venus, and as a volunteer for the Brighton Unemployed Family project, between 2001 and 2012.
Brighton is where I met my husband and went on to have two children, a girl, and a boy. Ava who is now 15 years old and Lochlan who is 13.
8 years ago, my Husbands job transferred to their other site near Leamington, bringing the family to the midlands. We now live in the village of Weedon, a half-hour drive, west of Northampton.
Since living in Weedon I have completed 7 years working in primary education. I began working in Special Needs as a 1:1 and in my 5th year at Weedon Primary, I completed an HLTA course through Northampton University, qualifying me to teach years 1 to 6 in primary school.
I have trained in Autism, Attachment Disorder, Dyslexia, Speech, and language among others. I ran nurture groups and introduced a kinaesthetic approach to a lot of my teaching, after researching its efficacy in primary schools.
During my school career, I have been fascinated by how children learn. Some by doing, others by seeing. I have come to love the continual questions from children and the challenge and adventure of not always knowing the answers.
Throughout my working life, I have loved interacting with people, obsessing over human behaviour and how the mind works and influences decisions. My favourite literature often tackles aspects of psychology and I find it an extremely exciting and alluring subject.
Throughout the lockdown period, it became apparent that I was not fully satisfied with my career and felt I was ready to learn and take on a new challenge.
My initial thought was to go into Educational Psychology but with more investigation, I decided it was time to move away from education and start something new. My next thought was counselling, which I am still very much keen on exploring and could see a possible future career. As a volunteer in Brighton Unemployed Centre Family Project, I assisted low-income families and homeless people, realising my ability to listen sensitively and offer solace.
Completing a course for the British College of Journalism a few years ago, I gained skills in reporting and analysing as well as fuelling my curiosity in psychology. I wrote articles on social, biological, and cognitive psychology. From a piece on music and memory to another on psychology in pain management.
Having completed a year of the single honours psychology course I now feel the career direction I want to go into is counselling psychology. I have recently secured a part-time job locally with the group of Northampton psychiatric hospitals (NHFT) and ideally, would love to complete my master's within the NHS but if not I will probably stay at the University of Northampton to complete my master's in counselling.
Jade
Leeds Beckett University
Graphic Arts & Design | BA (Hons)
Hello I'm Jade, a current third year BA Graphic Design student and aspiring Junior Graphic Designer. During my time at Leeds Beckett University I have gained invaluable knowledge regarding a wide range of topics from career opportunities to student life, I am here to advise whatever queries you may have.
Jade
City, University of London
Professional Dance and Musical Theatre BA (Hons)
My name is Jade and I am currently a third year in Urdang studying a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. I adore all things performing and one day dream of being on the west end! I moved to London from a small town in Ireland so the big city has been a big but extremely exciting change for me.
Jahnavi
Bangor University
Accounting, Banking & Finance
Hello everybody! My name is Jahnavi Nair, and I am 21 years old. I am in my third year of pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance. Throughout my university career, I've developed a strong interest in the world of finance, and I intend to pursue a Master's degree in finance after graduation. My long-term goal is to become a CFA charter holder and eventually build a successful career at a top investment banking firm.
As a student mentor, I understand how overwhelming university life can be — whether it's managing your studies, adjusting to a new environment, or planning your future career. I'm here to make the journey a little easier. If you ever need help with your academic work, course structure, or simply navigating university life, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will gladly support you and share any advice or insights I have gained over the last three years.
Jaiden
University of Essex
Economics
I came to Uni here after a long time debating it, i wasnt sure if it was for me, but since making up my mind and actually comming, despite all of the fears and worries about debt and social life and relationships and my course, its been some of the best weeks of my life. I've never felt as sociable as i do naturally now, and with all the new awesome people ive met in lessons / am living with, they've made me come out of my shell a lot. Living away from home was pretty wierd to start off with, but honestly the university is such an accomodating and welcoming place that this just feels like a second home to me now, just as much as back home is still my "home", i feel i've settled in here really well, and im sure you'll do the same, so try not to let your doubts control you too much, because its an experience you dont want to miss!
JAIMY JOY
Bangor University
Nursing
My future plan is to excel in the career I am interested in and become the best version of myself to avoid regrets in my life! I consider myself ambitious but also procrastinate like most other people (just need lil bit of motivation to help myself but we will get there! Haha!) I hope to help you out in Bangor uni or in the admission process.
As an international student, I can also possibly give you some guidance on the admission processes as far as I can. (it is quite daunting coming from another country! so don't feel lonely!)
Side note: make the best use of your potential, and to those who read until here, thank you and keep shining!
Jake
Bangor University
Philosophy & Religion
Hi! I'm a current Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics undergraduate student here at Bangor University. I love every part of the course but consider my main interests to be Eastern religions and philosophies
Jake
Bournemouth University
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Hi, my name is Jake and I am a second year studying sport and exercise science. I am a sports motivated person, that has played football for over 15 years. Studying sport and exercise science at uni has broadened my knowledge within sport, and fuelled my interest in various aspects of sport and I will hopefully be working within the professional industry in the near future.
James
University of Plymouth
MSc Marine Conservation
Hey there, I'm James, I'm a postgraduate student here at Plymouth, as well as an aspiring SCUBA diver with a passion for music, football and climbing.
James
Bournemouth University
BA (Hons) Media Production
I am a (by definition only) mature student studying Media Production. I spent my career in retail and hospitality. I lived in New Zealand for three years running a hotel/hot pool resort in a remote part of the South Island. I returned to England just before the pandemic took hold, reflecting on what direction I wanted my life to go in, I made the decision to follow my passions and applied to University.
Bournemouth University is amazing! I have already been granted so many opportunites, and it is one of the most inclusive environments I have evert been a part of.
James
University of Chester
BSc Psychology
Hi my name is James! I am a 3rd year Psychology student. I am looking to become an educational psychologist/ SEN teacher
I currently work at a SEN teaching assistant!
James
University of Lincoln
Media (including by practice) - MPhil/PhD
Over the past 9 years, I've been deeply involved in performing arts, where I've explored theatre, dance, and singing. These experiences have taught me a lot about expressing myself and have built my confidence a lot.
Now, I'm excited to explore the world of media and acting in the future. I'm drawn to the idea of bringing characters to life on screen and telling stories in new ways. Combining my background in performing arts with this new adventure feels like the perfect next step. Whilst studying I have also gained an extra passion for radio which has broadened my skillset, and my course has really allowed me to hone my skills and a whole bunch of new ones. Along with all this I have met a lot of amazing people and been very comfortable studying.
Jamie
City St George's, University of London
Aeronautical Engineering MEng (Hons)
My dream job is to be a pilot, although before I start flight school, I decided to get a degree in a similar field (aeronautical engineering). I really enjoy the course as one of my hobbies is researching planes and aviation photography, so learning the mechanics of flight is very interesting!
Janelle
University of Surrey
International Hospitality and Tourism Management BSc (Hons)
Hi! My name is Janelle and I am a final year student studying International Hospitality and Tourism Management (BSc). What I enjoy most about this course has to be experience sharing from seasoned professionals within the industry, whether it be from our professors or guest lecturers. Before university, I studied Biology, Psychology and Chinese A Level. I have a strong interest in Psychology and plan to take a masters (conversion) in Psychology after graduating! Outside of academics I like to casually take photos, listen to music, visit museums and meet new people! :)
Jannah
University of Aberdeen
History MA
My passions are sports and reading which are perfect for university life at Aberdeen :) I enjoy participating and getting involved in sports like basketball, tennis and football. I also have a keen interests in history and politics and enjoy attending societies championing student voices.
Jarom
Bangor University
History, Archaeology and Heritage
I’m from a small seaside town in north Cornwall. I have always enjoyed the academic scene, with my focus being in history and an interest in literature which I did as an A-level along with history and philosophy. My passion for history was cultivated from primary education and I have continued it since. In my spare time I enjoy exercise and socialising with my peers.
Jaskiran
City St George's, University of London
Speech and Language Therapy BSc (Hons)
Hi, my name is Jaskiran! I am a graduate and currently working as a Speech and Language Therapist, in a school setting. I am working with the ages of 8-18 years old.
Jasmine
University of Reading
BSc Economics & Finance
Hi, I'm Jasmine from Hong Kong. I’ve been studying in the UK since GCSEs and A-Levels, where I did Maths, Economics, and Psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and crocheting. In the future, I plan to work in the finance industry, possibly in financial advisory or tax-related roles.
Jasmine
Abertay University
LLB (Hons) Law
Hello! I grew up in Perth & Kinross, but I have connections all over the country. I recently relocated to Aberdeen and have been enjoying the commute to the beloved Dundee. I have a passion for both sides of the law: corporate/commercial and criminal/evidence. I would love to work for a firm and for big clients, but I would also love to work for COPFS and become a procurator fiscal. I am the current President of the Abertay University Law Society, and have been for nearly 2 years now. In my free time I love reading, the outdoors, listening to music, drawing and spending time with friends.
Jasmine
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Surface Pattern & Textiles (MDes, BA)
I came to Swansea as a born and raised Londoner with no clue what to expect out of a seaside, small Welsh city.
I have a background of fine art which led to an interest in design and pattern making, leading now to a career interest in trend and forecasting once I complete my degree this year.
Staying in Swansea has definitely opened my eyes to the balance of city life and exploring nature. One weekend could be an all day coastal walk, while the next a pub crawl around town. It really has it all.