A 38-year-old mum of two has overcome a big educational barrier to take her nursing career to the next level, thanks to support from Solihull College & University Centre.
Kerrie Clarke is not unusual with having a mental block around Maths. She puts it down to bad childhood experiences in the classroom. She comments: “I’ve always struggled with Maths. I used to panic in school when the teacher immediately wanted an answer, and it’s stayed with me ever since. I used to cry before taking exams, I had such restrictive anxiety around the subject. I wasn’t able to help my kids with their homework and I found that hard to deal with, and I certainly didn’t want to pass on my anxiety onto them”
Kerrie soon realised things would have to change if she wanted to progress in her career. So, after 3 years of thinking about it, Kerrie finally took the plunge and signed up for a fast-track Functional Skills Maths course at the College.
“Taking the plunge to sit my functional skills was a huge step and as the start date loomed, I felt increasingly stressed, and I questioned my own sanity. However, as each week passed, I became more confident in myself and mid-point though the course I felt there was a chance I could actually pass.”
Kerrie realised early on that she would have to structure her week to ensure her studies were completed: “It’s a juggling act, with working and studying, but you must be strict with yourself. I allocated myself 20 minutes a day to go through what we had learnt – it kept me motivated and kept my confidence high. The lecturers were amazing too. So friendly, so calming and incredibly supportive and I am so delighted I passed! I actually enjoy Maths now!”
Kerrie is now on the path to better prospects in her Nursing career with extra study, including a Master’s degree on the horizon. She comments: “It’s never too late to go back and study. Don’t over think it. If your lack of qualifications is holding you back at work, get on a course and work through it!”
Free GCSE and Functional Skills English and Maths courses are offered throughout the year at Solihull College & University Centre, with both in-person and online options available.
