Vicky Gosling
I grew up in Carnoustie and enjoyed Primary School very much. I was a popular, active and sporty child, but missed a significant amount of my Secondary School education after I became very ill with Fibromyalgia and M.E.. I lost all my friends as they didn’t know how to cope with my illness and was dropped into lower classes because of the time I’d missed which knocked my confidence a lot. Fortunately I was given access to an educational psychologist who helped me through some of my problems and when I left school with six standard grades I went to College to study for an NC in Social Sciences.
After completing my NC I signed up to do an HNC in Social Sciences part-time, but because of my illnesses I struggled with the course. I didn’t receive any help and couldn’t finish my HNC but managed to gain some HNC modules.
Go for it! Gaining a qualification doesn’t just enhance your CV but can help you to build your social skills by meeting like-minded people and increase your confidence. All the courses I have taken have been positive steps and you can take them too.
My confidence had been knocked again, but I’d always wanted an education and was sure I was capable of achieving more so I applied to the University of Dundee to do a degree in Psychology. After consulting with the University it was agreed that I should study part-time and I have been lucky enough to get excellent advice and support from disability services at the University. I have just completed my first year and although I’ve had to take a longer route I am determined to make it however long it takes.
Completing my college courses helped me in getting closer to my goal of becoming a psychologist and being in higher education has re-built my confidence, given me independence and enabled me to make new friends. Now I feel much more able to cope with my disabilities and know that there is help out there if you need it. I’m continuing to focus on my future and look forward to completing my degree.