Jo became determined to change her life for her and her four children after becoming a single mother. From leaving school with few qualifications, Jo returned to learning at the age of 41 and has now been in her chosen profession for three years.

 I made the daunting decision to re-enter the education system in 2013 at the age of 41. I was determined not to let my circumstances define me or my children. I wanted to be a mother my children could be proud of, and the only way I knew I could make that happen was if I re-educated myself.

After accepting voluntary redundancy during pregnancy and after I split with my husband, a Family Support Practitioner at my local Children’s Centre empowered me to apply for an Access to HE course at Suffolk New College. I passed with distinction and progressed onto a BA (Hons) Social Work degree at University of Suffolk, achieving a 2:1 despite being diagnosed with dyslexia, and was asked to deliver the Vote of Thanks Speech at the Graduation ceremony. I went on to complete an MSc in Psychology, graduating top of my class and received an award for the best thesis. I am currently working as a Children & Young People’s Social Worker for Suffolk County Council.

Adult learning for me has been the catalyst for change. It has enabled me to achieve a career I’m passionate about, enabled me to escape the benefits system, and enabled me to secure a mortgage. But most importantly, my children tell me that my learning journey has taught them that no matter the odds, you have the power to change, and determination determines your destination.