“I wanted my children to see me studying and realise the importance of education.”
Before starting the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing course, Bilckis “Bil” was juggling life as a mum and full-time station controller at TfL. Now, she’s halfway through her Adult Nursing degree at London South Bank University, while continuing to work and care for her family.
She decided to take an Access course to set an example for her teenage children. “I remembered that saying, ‘Do as I say, not as I do,’ and I thought, why not reverse it? I wanted them to see me studying, getting up at 5am, and putting in the effort. Hopefully, it inspires them to take their education seriously too.”
The Access course gave her a crucial head start. “It helped me get a real sense of university life and how things have changed in the last 25 years. Even simple things like referencing are much easier now. I learned how to plan and prepare for assignments, what to expect in placements, and gained useful knowledge in biology. Honestly, without the Access course, I might have struggled and even considered leaving my nursing degree.”
She also valued the guidance from her tutor Annie, who helped her make important decisions about her career path. “I initially considered midwifery, but I had a frank and honest conversation with Annie about what the reality would be like, and that really helped me make my decision. I’m so grateful for her support and encouragement throughout the course. If there were an Oscar for the best teacher, Annie would not just be nominated for it, she would be the one winning it hands down.”
Reflecting on her experience, Bil encourages other adult learners to take the leap. “The Access course is perfect for motivated mature students who know roughly where they want to go. It really sets you up for university and gives you the confidence to succeed.”
