Michelle’s success story

After twenty years of working in retail, I felt I needed a change, so for three years I enrolled on university courses to get enough points to be able to study for a degree.

In April this year I got an interview and after all the hard work got a place at Lincoln University Hull campus, I was so excited, except the offer was on the condition that I had to have a GCSE or an equivalent level 2 maths. It was at this point I really started to panic. I had not done maths for twenty years, I didn’t know were to turn, then a friend mentioned learndirect to me so, I gave them a ring and they couldn’t have been more helpful, I was sent to the Goodwin Centre where I was met by Sam and Alex who made me feel really welcome.

After I had completed an initial assessment I was referred to Fenchurch Street where everyone was really friendly and made me welcome. I was given a diagnostic to do and came out at Entry level 3. I had a lot of hard work in front of me, I found it really difficult, there were days when I walked out of the centre and thought I am not going back, but I did and that was all down to the fabulous team at Fenchurch. Steve has the patience of a saint, he went over things again, again and again I must have driven him mad, he deserves a medal for what he does.

I went on holiday and took my maths books with me. I have spent entire weekends in my pyjamas revising, all I thought about was maths, but it paid off because after a month I passed my level 1 test, everyone was so proud of me it gave me a real boost.

Level 2 was a total different matter, it was so much harder. I got so despondent at times but the learndirect troops rallied round again and gave me the confidence to carry on, it was hard work. I was so negative at times, Steve put me in for my test and I failed! I was devasted passing this test meant everything to me. It takes a lot of inner strength to get back up after a disappointment, but you can’t give up after putting so much time and effort into it and after all the time and effort everyone else has put into helping you, you cant let them down either!

The following week I was put in for my test again, I knew everyone was behind me and I had done all my revision so I was prepared, and I am so glad to say I passed. When Sam told me I just sat and cried, so here I am forty six years old starting out on a whole new life, and I couldn’t have done it without everyone at Fenchurch Street learndirect!!!!!

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone and to all those who work there on  a voluntary basis who do a brilliant job.

You can do it if you don’t give up, as the learndirect staff will not give up on you as long as you are willing to try. I have made many new friends and will remember my learning experience all of my life  

Michelle Dobson                                                                    

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