Donna’s change of direction leads to a degree of success

Donna Hodgson sought a change of direction when she enrolled on a Teesside University foundation degree.

She completed a Foundation Degree in Working with Young People and Young Peoples’ Services part-time at the University’s higher education centre at Darlington College. Having worked in retail and customer services for around three decades, Donna, 48, sought a new direction after being made redundant. Mum to seven-year-old Joshua, she said: ‘I was looking for something new and initially completed a counselling course, as I knew I wanted to do something in a helping role. ‘I did find it a bit tough during the first year of the foundation degree, but when I started the second year I just got work smarter. My partner works away a lot, so once I’d put my son to bed I’d get the books out and concentrate on studying. ‘It can be difficult juggling work and family life, but it can be done with good time management. All the hard work has been worth it.’

Putting theory into practice Donna, from Darlington, is now working for Darlington Borough Council with the Enablement Service.

She added: ‘Although I’m now working with older people, I’m still able to put a lot of what I learned from the foundation degree into practice in my job and work has been very supportive while I have been doing my studies.’ During the foundation degree, Donna completed a placement with Impact in Spennymoor, which focuses on supporting children who are at risk of being excluded from mainstream school.

Donna, who is continuing to volunteer with Impact, said: ‘The staff at Impact have been incredibly supportive during my studies, helping with my understanding and research.

‘I really enjoyed the placement as the work really offered an opportunity to put into practice what I was learning and get practical experience.’

Continuing her education Donna has now progressed to the BA (Hons) Education, which she is completing at Darlington College. She said: ‘The best thing for me is the personal achievement. I’m chuffed to bits and really thrilled about graduating. I’ve got a real sense of pride and feeling of personal achievement. ‘It was a bit of a struggle at times in the beginning, but I’ve really enjoyed returning to education. The support and advice I had from student services was great and I found there was so much support available having been made redundant. ‘I think it’s amazing that the University is investing in the town with its new campus here in Darlington as it offers all people a chance to experience university right here on their own doorstep. It’s great for the area.’

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