Castlederg student Aaron is celebrating the completion of the BA(Hons) in Early Childhood Studies and recently joined us to share his journey.
Joining South West College after his A-Levels, Aaron was sure that he wanted to study childcare and so enrolled in the Level 2 Children’s Care, Learning and Development at the Omagh Campus.
Aaron says:
“I wanted to start small and build it up, that year was great fun and I loved coming to the tech every day. The teachers were good, the staff was good and there was good help, so I knew straight away that I wanted to move to Level 3 the following year”.
Aaron excelled through the further education aspect of his progression, and having enjoyed the journey, it seemed the logical choice to apply for the BA(Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. He was delighted to receive an unconditional offer from Queen’s & Stranmilis for the Degree.
Whilst Aaron’s Level 2 and Level 3 experienced a smooth and enjoyable journey, the Degree did not quite get off to the same start with the Covid pandemic. Halfway through year one, Aaron faced the difficulties of lockdown, but with the support of his tutors and classmates, they were able to navigate online and independent learning.
“In the third year, we got back into the classroom, back to see friends, tutors and assistants. It was like one big happy family.”
The final Year of any Degree can be taxing, and Aaron found the increase in workload difficult, but with the support of SWC and his own dedication, he was able to submit his final assignments and relax knowing he had secured his Degree.
“I’m just so grateful to South West College for the opportunities they gave me and for supporting me all these years. They’ve gotten me where I am, as much as myself”
Aaron is now considering moving into one-to-one Special Educational Needs as a career, but is taking some time to consider his options, and as he says himself, “with this degree, the world’s my oyster”.
We wish Aaron all the best as he moves forward into his new career.