She added: "Everyone is afforded a chance, and capabilities are assessed via an individual learning plan, which helps you achieve your ambitions. Every lecturer that has ever taught me has gone above and beyond. There is a real sense of community, and that’s why I continued to return here to study.”
Choosing a STEM pathway opened up many opportunities, enabling Jennifer to move forward into a new career as a Science Lab Technician at the South West College, Enniskillen Campus, which motivated her desire to teach.
She said: “Once I was settled in my role, I decided to complete my full Degree, studying through the Open University as distance learning was more suitable to me with a job and a family. The two-year Open degree pathway comprised modules in Astronomy, Infectious disease and Genetics, enabling me to top up my foundation degree to a full BSc Honours degree.”
Upon completion, Jennifer progressed within her career, accomplishing a part-time Lecturer role within the Science department at South West College, teaching on the BTEC level 3 programme.
She said: “I wouldn’t have ended up here without the support and encouragement from the staff within the College who have ended up becoming my colleagues and friends. The most significant thing I have learned on my educational journey is that if you want something and are willing to work for it, you can have it. But, more importantly, everyone’s path in life is different, and that’s ok; no two should be the same.”
Jennifer is grateful to South West College for the flexible career journey, which has been an integral step to achieving her career goals. She admits juggling everything was hard, and at times, she was ready to give up but says ‘it has all been worth it in the end’. She encourages others in a similar situation to just go for it.