A new Occupation for Caroline

University of Teesside BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy graduate Caroline Searight is planning a new future after clinching a new post as a community-based Occupational Therapist in County Durham. In addition, she has also achieved a First Class Degree.

Caroline, 40, from Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, started the degree after completing a six-week Summer College at the University in Anatomy & Physiology. The Summer College helps to bridge any skills or knowledge gaps for students before they begin a degree course.

Prior to studying, Caroline spent nearly ten years working for Ross Young’s Foods, in Darlington, Newcastle and finally Doncaster, working her way from a tele-sales assistant to manager. Health care is a family affair as Caroline’s husband Sean is a physiotherapist. The couple have two children, Freddie, 11, and Anna, 8. Caroline had to juggle family life and studying, but has managed it through the support of her family and tutors.

Caroline said: “We gets lots of help at the University and if we have any problems with work or with assignments, we are encouraged to raise them early, before it causes any real difficulties. The facilities are excellent and the School of Health and Social Care building is fantastic.

“I think it’s been good for my children to see their mum doing ‘home work’ because it makes them see continuing education as a realistic aim and also encouraged them to do their own home work. In fact, the only time they didn’t like it was when they couldn’t play on the computer because I needed to do an essay!”

Caroline’s course has involved placements all over the local region, including spinal injuries, mental and physical health care for the elderly, learning disabilities and eating disorders. Her new job, with Durham County Council, will see Caroline carrying out home visits to people of all ages and conditions to assess their needs and advise them on the best course of action and treatments.

For more information about the BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, call 01642 384110/384113. For further information abut the University of Teesside Summer College, call 01642 342291/384261. Visit the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk for details of all courses.

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