“The course has provided me with a great deal of confidence and motivation to push myself professionally”
Letitia Whatmough was drawn to UWTSD as she believed the University’s values of helping and supporting others matched her own mindset.
Born in the Bannau Brycheiniog area, Letitia spent her childhood in foster care which meant she was constantly on the move. This week she will graduate with a first-class BA honours degree in ‘Early Years Education and Care: Early Years Practitioner Status’.
With the support of lecturers, Letitia has overcome some of the challenges facing all students as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as some of the additional challenges posed by her dyslexia.
“I was born in the Brecon Beacons, but raised in foster care so I was constantly on the move,” Letitia says.
“The values of this university correspond to my own, which is why I have chosen to study here. I enjoy talking to people from all backgrounds and I love to help individuals. Also, I found it to be one of the universities that really stood out to me when it came to helping people with learning disabilities such as mine in a way that made me feel welcome and comfortable. Both the course and my university experience have also taught me that dyslexia can be seen not as a weakness, but as a strength, as it’s a way of doing things differently.”
“The course itself has allowed me to recognise all my strengths. The course has provided me with a great deal of confidence and motivation to push myself professionally, in order to make career choices that enables me to make a positive contribution to Wales in the future.”
“The lockdown had a devasting effect on all of us. Most of my academic learning was conducted online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this was everyone’s challenge as we were in it together. The lectures were very supportive and always offered one-to-one sessions were needed.”
As Letitia now prepares to study a postgraduate degree in Social Work, she took the time to offer some advice to those thinking about applying for university. She added:
“My advice would be ‘It’s not only what you know, it’s also who you know.’ University can be a daunting experience for some people, but always ask for help and put yourself out there. Many opportunities exist, some outside of your course and some within, such as talks with guest speakers who may be of assistance in your success.”
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076