Studying an Access to HE Health Professions course, Jay spoke about what his college experience has been like and what he’s learned along the way, with insights and tips for college life and confidence as an adult learner. Read on to find out more. 

Hello! Who are you and what are you studying? 

Hi! I’m Jay and I’m studying Access to HE Health Professions. 

You’re receiving an award for Access to Higher Education tonight – congratulations! Are you happy that you chose this path? 

I am, yes! It was a surprise that I was nominated, let alone winning the award. Out of everyone on the Access course, I didn’t think that I was going to be that was going to be the winner. I’m very excited and very happy to be here. 

What are your highlights from your time at the College? 

There are so many of them. Every day going to college has been fun, it’s something that I look forward to week in and week out, meeting all my colleagues and my work in class as well. It’s a great environment to work in so I’ve really enjoyed that. 

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your time at the College and how did you overcome it? 

The biggest challenge I had was that I’d been out of education for so long, I left school when I was 16 and I’m not 16 anymore! Coming back into education was quite a challenge, I didn’t think I could do it, so I had that self-doubt. But being welcomed in and being able to show what I can do has been something that I wasn’t expecting – it brought me out of my shell I suppose. 

How did you find the social life and study environment at the College? 

It’s a really nice environment to study in. The facilities there are great – whether we are in the classroom or library, it’s brilliant. 

In terms of the social side of things, being an Access student, a lot of the other colleagues on the course are a little bit older, so we do other jobs or working and so on. Social-wise, we try to stay in contact and organise events when we can. 

What achievement are you most proud of during your time at the College? 

The achievement that I’m most proud of is that to date, all my assignments I’ve achieved were distinction, which I wasn’t expecting at all. One would’ve been great but to achieve all of them to date is fantastic and I couldn’t have asked for any more. 

What are your future career aspirations? What are your plans for achieving them? 

I’m going to university in September to study mental health nursing, which was my main driver for going into an Access course. I’ve been accepted at my preferred university already, so I’m all ready to go in September and in three years’ time I should be out there working within the NHS. 

What advice would you give to someone applying for your course at Milton Keynes College today? 

Put aside any apprehension and self-doubt that you might have. I thought I was going to be the oldest person on my course and I’m not. Don’t put barriers in your way; don’t think that you can’t do it because you haven’t been in education for a long time. Just give it a go, really!

If you’re interested in studying Access to Higher Education courses at Milton Keynes College, you can learn more here.