Case studies: Part-time student: Isa Hogan

Isa Hogan returned to higher education at the age of 45 and is currently studying part-time for a BA in English at Loughborough University.

Before going to university I was a Teaching Assistant in the English Department at a local school. I decided to do the course because I wanted to teach and knew that I had to have a degree to do so. Over the years, I had had other priorities, like bringing up my kids, but it just felt like the right time to do it, so one day during my lunch hour I popped into the university and spoke to the head of English, Elaine Hobby. She was so encouraging that I then enrolled on the course.

I will graduate in 2010 and I am currently applying for a place on a Graduate Teacher Programme course as I want to work in an inner city school with hard to reach kids.

The theory

I was worried about returning to education mainly because I thought I would be too old to understand all of the theories. It also worried me whether I would be able to cope with the workload and my family commitments. Also there was the financial side to consider – losing a wage and gaining fees is a big decision. Luckily I have a very supportive husband who had been encouraging me for years to return to study. I have four children all of whom have joined me at Loughborough University family events.

In the first term I worried that I didn’t have any theories of my own and I didn’t know whether I was enjoying it because I couldn’t seem to get my head up from the books. But then I got to the stage where I thought ‘I don’t agree with that’ and so I realised that I must have learnt something. Now I know that I’m loving every minute of it.

The practical

As with most things there are pros and cons to being a mature student. The pros are that you are gaining a degree in a subject that you really want. I had always enjoyed English at school, and when I helped out as a Teaching Assistant, I just thought ‘I could teach this’. I also met lots of new people and found that learning itself is so rewarding and exciting.

On the flip side at first you are not sure about how things work or if you are going to understand the subjects. However this doesn’t last long because there are so many people there to help you. I also found out I’m dyslexic when I arrived at university and when my Head of Department referred me to the Disabilities and Additional Needs Service for a test, I was really surprised. I learned that organisation was a crucial component to get right when studying for an English degree. The University provide lots of courses including study skills and they are all free.

Advice

My advice would be to attend the mature students’ open days as it is here that you will meet other mature students and also other people who are on the course you are about to study.

I chaired the Mature Students Association for a year which was great for meeting other people and getting involved. So I would definitely say don’t be afraid to get involved in student life and the clubs and societies on offer. As well as the general societies on offer, check out what your area of study provides for mature students.

If you think you can't cope, speak to someone as there are tutors and other students who will help. Finally, remember to have fun - this seems a daunting prospect when you start but it does kick in, so don't give up!