Social worker, Jessica Kwan completed her Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care at South West College. In our latest SWC Beyond alumna interview, Jessica shares her thoughts on her time at the college and reflects upon the impact it had on her career and professional development.
Jessica, tell us a little bit about yourself and your studies at SWC?
I studied the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care at SWC, starting around 2018. That course gave me a much-needed ‘foot in the door’. It helped me build confidence in myself and gave me clarity on what I wanted to do with my life. From there, I went on to complete my Health and Wellbeing degree through Ulster University in Belfast in 2020, which laid the groundwork for me to begin my social work journey in 2021. I’m now working in the Family and Childcare team in Enniskillen, supporting children and families through challenging circumstances. It’s a role that means a lot to me personally, myself and my family are incredibly proud of how far I have come.
What impact has studying at South West College had on your career?
SWC completely changed the direction of my life. Before I started, I wasn’t sure where I was heading, but the support I received, especially as someone who’s not academically bright brings all the difference. The course helped me find my passion and gave me the stepping stones to get to where I am now. It was more than just gaining a qualification, it was about personal growth, building self-belief and confidence and pushing through the tough days and realising I was capable of much more than I ever thought. Without SWC, I honestly don’t believe I’d be where I am today.
What advice might you give to current or prospective students considering the college?
Don’t let self-doubt or lack of confidence hold you back, because you will build all of that throughout your journey. If you’re thinking of applying but feel like you’re not good enough, unsure if you can manage, or feel like you’re too far behind others, I would highly encourage you to go for it. Everyone’s journey is different and not everyone takes the same path. SWC is the kind of place that meets you where you’re at, personally and academically. Make the most of the support from the lecturers because once you reach university level, trust me, you won’t receive half the support that SWC offers. Trust yourself, trust the process and remember that your pace is valid. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you, as long as you keep going. If I can do it, honestly, anyone can.
Are there any staff members who played an important part in your studies at South West College that you would like to recognise?
There were definitely lecturers who made a difference to me! Those who encouraged me and helped me see my potential, even when I didn’t see it myself. A big shoutout to the one and only Michelle McCauley. She was the woman who encouraged every one of her students to achieve their best and provided immense support throughout. I truly would not have been able to do this without Michelle, and I’m so grateful for everything she’s done. She genuinely cares about her job and you can see that in the way she supports her students. She wants every single one of them to flourish and she’s so proud of them when they do. At the same time, I’d also like to thank the entire team who were involved in my learning. You all played a part in shaping my journey, and I’m truly grateful for the role each of you had in helping me get to where I am today.
Are there any specific achievements or career milestones that you would like to highlight?
Passing my GCSE Maths was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It took me nine attempts to finally get that pass and every time I failed, it knocked me. But I kept going, because I knew I couldn’t start my social work career without it. It might seem small to some people, but for me, it was huge. It taught me resilience and the importance of not giving up on yourself just because there’s an obstacle in front of you. On top of that, securing my current role in the Family and Childcare team feels like the biggest milestone yet. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built this career from scratch, step by step, with determination and heart. This isn’t just a job, it’s something I genuinely care about and it comes from the heart.