College helps Sarah to follow teaching dream
AVALLEY woman whose lifelong career ambition was to become a teacher is one of the faces of a new higher education ad campaign.
Sarah Cole, from Rawtenstall,
had always presumed as a busy single mum of three that further education was out of reach – until she enquired about BCUC at Burnley College.
Surprised to learn that she could still work three days a week, gain financial support and balance studying around her busy family life, Sarah is now encouraging other potential students to ‘Walk in Her Shoes’.
Due to graduate this summer – and at the same time as her eldest son – Sarah hopes to achieve a Foundation Degree in Children, Young People and their Services and progress onto a one-year BA (Hons) top-up at BCUC.
“I’d always wanted to be a teacher but as it often does, life had other plans,” said Sarah, 45.
“I’ve been working as a teaching assistant for nine years and dreamt of pursuing further education, but didn’t think I could afford the time off work or the financial cost of going back to university.
“Amazingly, I have found myself slightly better off than before, working part time with the support of a student loan.”
Sarah continues to work for Newchurch St Nicholas CE Primary three days a week where she is an emotional learning support assistant and now dreams of helping marginalised children with additional educational and emotional needs.
She added: “I’ve had lots of different jobs in my time - from being a travel agent to a marketing coordinator, but never felt like I’ve found my calling. I’d recommend anyone just investigating
whether it is possible.
“I wish I’d done it earlier and finally feel like I know what I want to do when I grow up!
“Now that my children are a bit older, it’s time to
pursue those dreams I’ve had for years. If you are organised and determined, family life, work and studying for a degree can all be entirely possible.”