Karen Mitchell
I was brought up in Blairgowrie in Perthshire. School was a total misery for me because no matter how hard I tried I could not do the work. I was constantly told I was thick and stupid and always put to the back of the class. As I’m partially deaf in one ear I couldn’t hear what the teacher was saying and I just became more and more withdrawn. I left with no qualifications at 15, went to Perth College to do a six month course in hairdressing then served my apprenticeship at a salon in Perth where I worked for the next eight years. I left when I started my family, but continued to work from home.
Years later my relationship of 17 years, which had been very controlling, broke down. Around the same time my sister finished her own studies as a mature student. I was at rock bottom and realised that I had to do something to change my life.
It’s never too late to go back to learning. Sometimes we get into a rut with our lives and this is the best way to change it. I would highly recommend education to anyone - it changes your life and changes it for the better.
It took about two months before I decided to sign up for an access to nursing course at Perth College. While on this course I was tested for dyslexia and the test came back positive. It was a complete relief, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I was not stupid after all! I am currently in my third year of a diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, but I can also go on to do the degree if I choose to.
I’ve discovered that I can do anything I put my mind to and have reclaimed my self-worth and self-esteem. I feel more knowledgeable, have made some great friends and because of the course I’m doing I can help my children with their homework and they can learn from my experience. Altogether I am a stronger person and I’ve learned a lot about myself.