• What motivated you to apply for Step Up?

“I wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision in returning to education. As the Step Up course is free to all, it has been a great confidence booster to ensure that I was doing the right thing without being thrown in at the deep end!”

• How did you feel on the first day?

“I felt incredibly nervous and even had sleepless nights running up to the day. I am glad I stuck at it and didn’t let my nerves get the best of me”.

• How did you find the teaching and support here at Staffordshire in comparison to past educational experiences?

“It is so so different! There is a mass of support available and being in an older learning environment has been hugely beneficial. Being treated like an adult and not feeling stupid if I need help has been a huge plus”.

• Is there anything you would have done differently looking back?

“No, not at all. I feel as though now is the right time for me to pursue a degree. I don’t think I would have stuck to university when I was younger”.

• Has Step Up helped you in anyway, if so, what?

“Step Up has helped me to develop my writing style for degree level study. It has also been a great developmental experience and highlighted where I need to improve for the future. Also, knowing the campus and the university has made me feel less intimidated for September”.

• What are your hopes and plans for the future?

“My hopes and plans for the future is to complete my degree successfully whilst enjoying the journey at the same time. Longer term I want to ensure that I have both a successful and fulfilling career in a role I love”.

For more details on how to apply for the next intake of Step Up to HE follow the link: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/stepup