Jade’s aiming for degree success
DEDICATED care leaver Jade Cooper is ready to embark on a criminology and sociology degree after graduating from Edge Hill’s Fastrack course.
Jade, who is originally from London but moved to Liverpool when she was 11, has always wanted to be able to go to university to achieve her goal of becoming a criminal psychologist, but this was put on hold because of poor grades.
“The Fastrack course gave me the ability not only to ease back into education after a long time, but it has given me the experience needed to start my degree at Edge Hill and has given me a taster of what’s to come,” said Jade.
“I faced many challenging times during Fastrack.
“I suffer with depression and there were times where I just wanted to give up as I didn’t think I could so it, but Edge Hill and my mentors helped me overcome this.”
Jade’s leaving care worker introduced her to the Sheila Kay Fund, which provides information and advice to young people who have been in care, where she receives guidance and support.
“I was very isolated and had no family support, so I needed a good support system behind me,” said Jade.
“I was given a mentor who has helped me so much by understanding my life and me, and they never judged.”
Jade’s mentor is Edge Hill’s Ann Kennedy, senior access, advice & guidance officer for Fastrack.
She said: “When I first met Jade it was obvious that she had a huge heart and a desire to help people.
“However she wasn’t sure in which direction to take this.
“After much discussion and thought Jade came to the conclusion that it was the injustices in life that she wanted to work against and support people through.
“She explored a number of degree progression options before settling for criminology. During the 6 week programme I have been very proud to observe Jades development.
“Her confidence has grown and she is now able to focus her determination in to a subject she is passionate about.”
Regardless of the challenges Jade has faced, she still has big plans for the future. After completing her criminology and sociology degree at edge hill, she hopes to work towards a qualification in psychology.
“I’m also a mother so I want to set an example for my daughter so she knows that you can achieve anything if you just stay focused, work hard and believe in yourself,” she said.