Gillian Mowberry
Gillian proves education really can change your life
Homeless at 13, Gillian Mowberry, (now 31) never completed her secondary school studies. She dropped out early only to enter a life of drug dependence. Hard times lay ahead as she battled hard to recover from her dependence.
It was during her recovery and with the support from her Occupational Therapist that Gillian decided to take fate into her own hands. If it wasn't for my OT I wouldn't have recovered as successfully,
says Gillian. During my recovery I realised that I wanted to help people the same way she had helped me and decided that Occupational Therapy was a perfect career path for me
.
Gillian was a little worried about returning to study after such a long time out of education but heard about an Occupational Therapy course offered by Kensington and Chelsea College (KCC). The 34-week access course prepares students for higher education and is designed for those who have few formal qualifications, or those who wish to update those they already have.
I didn't think I was capable of starting school again,
she said. The tutors must have sensed my fears. They went out of their way to give me support and guidance. Once my confidence began to build up my work got better and better and eventually I found myself helping others in my class.
As Gillian's confidence soared she began to realise that the perks didn't end there.
I realised a love of learning that I had never known before. Not only did the tutors make classes fun, but they were very supportive and encouraged me to learn things outside of class.
Since completing the access course, Gillian has secured a place at Brunel University to study Occupational Therapy as a Bachelor of Science degree.
I plan to use my studies in part of a substance misuse programme to help other people improve their futures as I have improved mine.
If there is something you have always wanted to learn and never thought you could or would then take inspiration from Gillian and contact us to see how we can help.
