Access Proves Win-Win for Orla and Aodhan

Self-development is a juggling exercise if you have children, but for Orla Hughes (27), from Newcastle, returning to education has been win-win for her and her son Aodhán – who are both attending SERC’s Newcastle Campus.

Following her A-Levels, Orla completed a HND in Health and Social Care.   Her plans took a change of direction when her granny had a fall, and she took on the role of her carer.  She said, “I then concentrated on work rather than pursuing further academic routes. However, since the birth of my son Aodhán, I have been driven to return to get the career that I’ve always wanted.   It’s the idea of showing him that, no matter what path life leads you, if you put your mind to something you can achieve it."

Orla said, “Enrolling in the Level 3 Access Diploma in Foundation Studies (Access) at SERC’s Newcastle Campus, meant I didn’t have to be away from my son, Aodhán, all day long as they have dedicated creche facilities - that was one of the big motivators for me coming back into education. Having the creche on site means I can spend time with him during my days in college during break and lunch time.   It is win-win for both of us. Aodhán is getting all the benefits of socialising and early years learning in the creche and I am getting on with my studies – all under the one roof."

Speaking about her decision to return to college, Orla said, “I was nervous to start as I believed I was ‘too old’, and it would be impossible with a one-year-old. But I’m almost finished my first year and I have loved it. The whole Access course has been very interesting, and I have enjoyed all the topics we’ve studied. My overall experience at SERC has been amazing and so positive. I would certainly encourage anyone thinking of coming back to go for it. Everyone has been very supportive of the fact I am a mother too."

Speaking about her ambitions, Orla said, “The Access course really does open up lots of avenues for further study, so on successful completion, I would really like to go on to do adult social work or midwifery as my personal experience has fuelled my interest in both areas.”

If you are thinking about returning to education but don’t quite know how to start, contact Ursula Maginn on umaginn@serc.ac.uk or 07816115045.