Nursing student's award delight

Nursing student Vicky Neeson is pursuing her dream career after a lifelong struggle to make the grade in maths.

Vicky, who achieved the Outstanding Student for Access to Higher Education award after completing the Darlington College programme, is now studying BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult) in the University's School of Health & Social Care.

Vicky, 30, of Catterick, was also named the college's Student of the Year, receiving the principal’s top award at a celebration held at Darlington College to recognise dedication, enthusiasm and excellence in learning.

'I am absolutely overwhelmed,' said Vicky. 'I never expected this at all but it just goes to show that if you really want something and you work hard it makes it all worthwhile.

'I always wanted to be a nurse but not having a maths qualification held me back – but not any more.'

Having always struggled with maths and failing the subject in GCSE, Vicky found it difficult to achieve her ambition of securing a place on a nursing course.

But after a number of career changes, a stay in hospital and a chance conversation with a nurse led her to enrol at college to complete an access course.

'At that moment it felt as if a light bulb just went off in my head, but my heart sank when I knew that I’d have to do my GCSE maths again. I literally cried for the first three weeks of maths lessons but the tutors were so good, kind, patient and really helped me to grasp things that I never ever thought I could – and when I eventually passed my GCSE I cried again, but this time with joy.'

Vicky has now achieved her aim of progressing to an adult nursing degree.

---