New teaching life for Clare
MUM Clare Louise James was told by doctors she would die in her 30s after battling with depression and anorexia - but says returning to education has “saved her life” as she’s set to become a teacher.
A MUM told by doctors she would die in her 30s after battling with depression and anorexia says returning to education ‘saved her life’.
Clare Louise James, 47, from Aberdare, struggled with the conditions for most of her adult life and was told aged 34 she would die if she didn’t take action.
But in 2013, Clare’s daughter Kirsty encouraged her to enrol in an adult learning class, and after overcoming her initial reluctance, Clare is now set to become a teacher herself.
Clare said: “Going back into education is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the best.
“It helped focus my mind and gave me a sense of purpose; it’s no exaggeration to say it saved my life.
“I struggled with my mental health for so many years I’d almost forgotten who I was, but the more courses I went on, the more I realised I could do anything I set my mind to.
“My self-confidence gradually came back, and I started planning ahead for the first time in years.”
Clare enrolled on more courses completing qualifications in psychology, abnormal psychology and counselling.
Clare currently works in a learner support role in local community centres across Rhondda Cynon Taff.
In September, she hopes to begin a PGCE, giving her the qualifications she needs to teach adult education in colleges.
In 2016, Clare won the Inspire! Award for Health and Wellbeing.
“Since then, she has completed a level three qualification in education and teaching and spoken at the University of Wales about the benefits of adult education.
Clare continued: “I’m really interested in people and I love helping others, so going into teaching was an obvious next step.
“My tutors were such a huge part of my journey; they didn’t just teach, they really cared about me and wanted to see me do well.
“I knew teaching other adults would be the perfect way to give something back.
“I always share my story with my learners, and I can see a weight lifting off their shoulders when they realise someone else has been through the same things they have and made it out the other side.”
Clare is now supporting Adult Learners’ Week to help others turn their lives around.
Adult Learners’ Week 2018 is running from June 18 to June 24 and celebrates lifelong learning, whether work-based, as part of a community education course, at college, university or online.
Now in its 27th year, it aims to promote courses available to adult learners.
Minister for Welsh language and lifelong learning Eluned Morgan said: “We often think of education as something we do when we’re young, but learning is a lifelong activity.
“Clare is a perfect example of someone who has benefited from the opportunity to go back into education as an adult.”