I was always happiest when I worked as a TA in a primary school during my gap year and so this seemed the most obvious path for me to follow. Working in a wonderfully supportive environment gave me back the confidence in myself which I had lost after university. My collegues' belief in my abilities of working with children gave me the boost to believe that I could continue again with more education and would one day make a very competent teacher.
On the brilliant advice of my mother in law and family friends I looked into how I could finally achieve those letters after my name! Having already completed two years I looked into the BA(Hons) Open Degree which would effectively allow to me 'top-up' my final year and also extend my knowledge base a little wider. I am lucky enough to now work in a fantastic school which promises to help and advise at every step and if possible, perhaps one day offer a GTP at the school-if finance and resources allowed-. What I had to do first is just gain that full degree qualification. I was close to deadlines and it seemed to be a manic rush but the team at OU have made it possible for me to start back with what I feel is my second chance at education.
It is scary- but thank you OU!