How one young mum found her calling at university

Shannon knew that she wanted to work with children, but she didn’t know which direction to take. After initially starting an apprenticeship in a nursery, she quickly discovered it wasn’t the right setting for her. 

So Shannon came to an Open Day after being recommended to check out the University of Derby by her College Advisor. She received some career advice and information on courses she could study before she decided to join our BSc (Hons) Child and Family Health and Wellbeing degree. She continued her learning on our MA Social Work degree so she could follow her dream of becoming a social worker.

“I am forever grateful for the advice I received at the Open Day. Studying at university has been life-changing for me and has set me up with a great foundation to progress my career. Being a young mother who dropped out of school, I worried that I was not smart enough to study at university and that I was setting myself up to fail. But I never felt judged by anyone at the University of Derby and was encouraged to use my experiences to support and advocate for other mothers, no matter their age, to reach for their goals.” 

Shannon also praises the wider university as key to her experience. 

“The support that I have received from the Careers and Employment team, lecturers on my degree and the Student Services team has been exceptional.”

Studying as a mother

Shannon continued with her caring responsibilities whilst studying her degree, managing to find time for valuable moments with her young son. 

“The degree timetable worked well for my family and allowed me to split my time effectively between being a parent and a student. I feel that I can apply the skills learned on my degree to not only my professional life, but also to my personal life and to being a better parent.” 

And her family supported her studies every step of the way. 

“My son attended my graduation and cheered me on as I walked across the stage. It was such a proud family moment for us and to see that I have been a positive role model for him. He recently told his school that when he is older, he wants to come to university. This meant a great deal to me and represents how truly valuable this degree can be for yourself and your entire family.”

Career enhancing work experience

Students on the BSc (Hons) Child and Family Health and Wellbeing degree go on a placement in their final year and are encouraged to volunteer in relevant settings throughout the course. 

“I was allocated a fantastic placement within a local charity supporting new and expectant parents during the perinatal period. I experienced a wonderful opportunity to work with an incredible team, advocate for parents and engage in safeguarding protocols such as writing reports and attending meetings. I continue to volunteer for this organisation as a personal choice as I enjoyed it so much and it sparked a passion for me of working within the perinatal period.” 

“I also thoroughly enjoyed the safeguarding module as lectures were delivered in such an engaging and thought-provoking way, using case study examples to highlight why safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and essential for supporting children and families. Studying these two modules helped me realise that I would like a role in child protection, and to work as a children’s social worker in this area.” 

Child and Family Health and Wellbeing

Shannon describes the degree as being a whistle-stop tour into everything involving working with children and families. 

“I would recommend this degree to anyone considering a career working with children and young people, and wanting a role where you feel like you can make a positive difference to their lives,” she says. “It has a strong emphasis on child development and child psychology, which sets it apart from other Child and Family courses.”  

She also credits the personal skills she gained along the way. 

“My confidence developed significantly throughout my degree; in my first year it would have given me severe anxiety doing a presentation. By my final year, I was volunteering to give them and receiving positive feedback.” 

And her advice for new students? 

“I would highly recommend that you visit the University of Derby at an Open Day. Have a look around the campus and speak with the incredible staff. Take every opportunity and make the most out of your time at university. You truly get out of your degree what you put in, and if you put in the work, you will be positively rewarded.”