Sometimes, the path back to learning begins with the basics – English, maths and a fresh perspective. We spoke to Stella, a Level 2 Adult English & maths student navigating the challenges and triumphs of re-engaging with education later in life. From overcoming self-doubt to celebrating the wins, Stella offers and perspective to those considering a return to education.

Read on to find out more.

Hello. Who are you and what are you studying?

Hi, I’m Stella and I’m currently studying Level 2 Maths. I did my Level 1 English and maths last year, and I just finished my Level 2 English.

What made you choose your course?

I opted for English and maths because I have a degree in Health and Social Care but I didn’t want to do nursing. I have children and I wanted to do something that can help me with the kids. I looked for a job but I didn’t know what to do, so I decided to top up on my English and maths skills because I hadn’t studied them in about 20 years.

Within me, I didn’t have the confidence because I’d been living in Italy for about 13 years and struggled with English. In Italy, I was doing translation and sort of lost my English because it was all in Italian. When I got back here, doing my degree at university was challenging for me. I thought it would be good for me to come back to refresh my memory with English and maths.

How are you finding your studies?

It’s been amazing. First, I couldn’t even join people in conversations despite having English background, but then I realised that the more you speak it, the more it comes to you naturally. In Italy, you didn’t get a lot of people to speak in English with, so I lost my skills. I had an A Level certificate, but I couldn’t express myself very well and I found that difficult in university.

I’m finding the courses very helpful to me. I’ve seen massive improvement especially at work in my role as a Support Worker. You have incident reports, you need to write reports about what the day activities have been, and at a point you get stuck when you can’t make the writing flow. Recently, I’ve seen a change. I’m writing more, sometimes they ask me, “Why are you writing an essay?” It’s coming naturally now; the course has helped me a lot. I’m enjoying it.

Did you encounter any challenges during your studies? How did you overcome them?

Initially I found some things difficult to understand, especially the assessments. I think sometimes assessments are not the best way to assess people. I knew I could do better, but you know when you’re sat in front of a computer – sometimes things can happen and maybe you skipped something.

I also experienced some challenges initially with PowerPoint presentations. I hadn’t done these types of presentations before university. If I knew I would be well-supported with them here, I would’ve come here first, and this would’ve helped me at university. I’ve gained a lot of new skills here.

What are some highlights from your time at the College?

It’s the communication skills I’ve gained because you get to meet people: you get to talk to people and people come to you sometimes, maybe because of the way you contribute in class. You get to make new friends and people are encouraging.

Sometimes people say, “You come from the university, why are you here then?” Having a degree doesn’t mean you can’t come back and do some refreshment courses. You need your English and maths to open job opportunities for you.

My English teacher has been very helpful. The way she teaches, she adapts to people’s unique ways of learning. She takes the fear off you – she helps and guides you, it’s very encouraging.

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

I intend to go into teaching, and I feel like I’m getting ready for it. From here I’ll start applying for teaching assistant roles.

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

I would encourage them to. Especially if you want to progress in life, you need English and maths – it’s very vital, very important, whichever path you take. When you come here, it opens doors for new opportunities.

If you have children, it can be helpful to do it for them. I can help my children with homework, and I know how to use dictionaries to find things for them. They look up to you when you’re able to express yourself; they have this respect for you, and it motivates them as well. When I was in university, I used to go to the library to learn. Once my child’s class came to the library and she saw me – the teacher said, “Look at your mum.” I could see the brightness in her eyes; she was happy to see me in such a place and see me learning.

I think the best way the get most of the College experience is to come on campus and work with people face-to-face. It’s not just about getting the grades; you get the communication and social aspect. In the maths class, I share a table with my friend, and it is quicker for us to do our work together than me sitting alone and racking my brain for answers.

To learn more about Adult English & maths at Milton Keynes College, read more at English for Adults – MK College and Maths for Adults – MK College.