My Adult Education Journey at Northern College
Adult education- an escape?!
At the time I started my first course I was living in a women only Salvation Army hostel. I literally just wanted an escape from the chaos and craziness of my living situation. It was noisy and not the best environment for someone trying to rebuild their life. I’d heard about Northern College from the addiction treatment centre I’d lived in before. I’d heard great things so I signed up for a two day course on Confidence and Motivation. I went with a friend from the hostel and I honestly felt like a fish out of water. It was so different to my life back ‘home’. I was still drinking at this point and I was right at the beginning of my healing journey. It felt strange being around new people, especially being sober and I wasn’t sure it was for me. I think I missed the second course I’d enrolled on, maybe I overslept-it was quite a journey from the hostel! The main reason I went back was actually because my room was so comfortable, and I got fed, it was nice to be looked after!
From chaos...to calm
And then something shifted...
At first I spent every evening in my bedroom, I’d come out for my tea, and pudding (shout out to the Northern College kitchen staff!). The surroundings were alien to me and my anxiety was through the roof. It felt like everyone else knew each other and I felt really alone. I had a big back story and didn’t realise at first that Northern College is a special place, a lot of the other students have their own stories and I started to come out of my shell a little bit. Maybe it was this big old building, surrounded by trees and space. Maybe it was the staff who weren’t just “teachers” either – they were warm, real people who looked you in the eye and saw more than your past. They believed in us before we even believed in ourselves. Maybe it was the students who were all a little bit crazy like me (in the best way!). Or maybe it was all those things.
I was addicted...to learning!
Over the next couple of years, I ended up doing over 20 courses. Seriously. From autism awareness and substance misuse to peer mentoring and building confidence- I soaked it all up. I got my maths, my English, Digital skills! Northern College offers free short courses in everything from confidence building to mental health awareness. You can explore their courses here. I loved learning, not just because of the content (though that was brilliant), but because every single time I went, I came home feeling a bit stronger. Instead of my past being a barrier to furthering myself, all that life experience was being put to good use! Each completed course was more knowledge, and a massive boost to my confidence.
I started walking taller. I started speaking up. I started thinking… maybe I could be someone again.
The friendships, the food, the fresh air
Let’s be real Northern College isn’t just about learning. It’s the whole vibe. The walks in the woods, the proper cooked meals, the film nights and long breaks in the smoking shelter. Meeting other people who have been through stuff, and come through the other side.
I met some of the most supportive, funny, strong people there – people who just got it. We’ve been there for each other, had lots of laughs and made friends for life.
From dropout to distinctions: My adult education journey
Eventually, I signed up for the Access to Higher Education Diploma. It scared me half to death, but I’d built enough confidence by then to give it a shot.
Fast forward: I passed. With distinctions. I still can’t say that without grinning. Me – someone who thought she’d ruined all her chances – is going to The University of Sheffield to study sociology.
Northern College helped me rewrite the story I’d been telling myself for years.
The Power of Adult Education
Before I did that first short course, I thought education was something that had passed me by. Something for school leavers, not for people like me – people who’d made mistakes, or who were just trying to survive. But I was wrong.
Adult education is more than just qualifications. It’s about confidence. Community. A chance to rebuild. Whether it’s brushing up on maths, learning about mental health, or finally figuring out what you’re good at – every single course adds something
I’ve seen people come into Northern College with barely any self-belief and leave with university offers. I’ve seen grown women cry happy tears because someone handed them a certificate – maybe for the first time in their life. And I’ve felt that pride myself.
Adult education gave me:
A safe place to grow
Confidence in my abilities
Friendships that feel like family
A path to university
A fresh start
Thank you so much for your comment Christine. I am so glad you enjoyed reading it! I agree…going back to education is what really turned my life around and I am really looking forward to finally giving university a good go!