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Mum
of four Lorraine Freeman was feeling depressed and visited her local
family centre "as an excuse to escape from the children."
While
the children played happily, Lorraine, from Stroud, took part in
a series of workshops and taster sessions - and was soon bitten
by the learning bug.
After
the workshops she joined a 10-week PATA course - and now Lorraine
is juggling family life with working for a Diploma in Childcare
and Education.
I
liked finding out why children did things. And I wanted to be
like the staff at the family centre because they had helped
me so much.  |
| Lorraine
Freeman |
"When
I did the PATA course I thought it was really interesting. I liked
finding out why children did things. And I wanted to be like the
staff at the family centre because they had helped me so much,"
said Lorraine.
After
leaving school she went straight into a factory job, and was soon
busy bringing up her four children.
When
she decided to go back into learning, she found it a very different
experience from her memories of school.
"People
appreciate the fact that you are doing it because you want to do
it. The college has been very supportive.
"They
know that you have more to your life than just the course - many
students are juggling placements and family and jobs.
"There
is a greater flexibility - you still have to do the work but there
is a lot of help and support available."
As
an added bonus, Lorraine has taught herself to use a computer, and
now feels that she is presenting her work in a more professional
manner.
She
is also feeling confident enough to re-start driving lessons.
She
would advise anyone thinking of joining a course to go for it.
"There
is a real sense of satisfaction in feeling that you can do it. You
don't lose anything by trying something new, and you might surprise
yourself by what you find out about yourself.
"You
might find there are brains lurking in there after all!"
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to Adult Learners Week 2003
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