UWTSD Education Studies graduate – changing career to make a difference to young lives
A graduate from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has changed her career by returning to the classroom to encourage and inspire others.
After qualifying as an accountant at age 22, Rachel Williams was still very unsure whether she had made the right choice with regards to her career.
She said: “Feeling lost, I took some time away from working to travel and volunteer with children and families in Fiji and New Zealand. It was this experience that helped me to realise that my interest was that of childhood development, specifically within the educational context.”
At the age of 25, Rachel decided to return to university and applied to study Education Studies: Primary at UWTSD. She was looking for somewhere that was:
“more personal, supportive, interactive, and friendly, where the lecturers knew your name and took an interest in you as an individual. For this, UWTSD was the perfect fit.”
Rachel’s goal was to pursue a career within the sector of education.
She said: “I believe that opting for a more general primary education course rather than the option of a QTS or ALN focus has helped me to figure out my direction.“
Rachel has developed a solid foundation of knowledge which she believes will support her in any direction. Rachel also feels that the level of commitment, encouragement and support from her lectures and personal tutor has given her increased confidence in her capability as an individual. This has enabled her to successfully apply to study a master’s in psychology in Education, as she works towards her goal of completing a PhD and becoming an educational psychologist.
Rachel adds:
“The demand and requirements of this degree have tested my resilience as an independent learner and have encouraged me to critically explore the theoretical and practical world of education. Without the wide range of theory and topics covered in this degree, it is likely that I would not have discovered the opportunities, beyond teaching, which are available within the education sector.”
Lecturer Alison Murphy said:
“ Rachel was an excellent student, extremely motivated and well organised. Her experiences in the education sector were invaluable when sharing her insights with other students and her contributions in lectures were always thoughtful and relevant. I wish her good luck for the future.”
After graduating, Rachel’s main goal is to:
“have a positive impact on both the individual learning experiences and the lives of children and young people; and with the help and guidance of my lecturers at UWTSD, I believe this is something I will be able to achieve.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476