Access to college

When she was in her early twenties, Jenna decided that she wanted to do something with her life. She was living in Scotland again and undertook an NC in Horticulture. She picked this course as it was hands on, vocational, a different style of learning from her previous difficult experience of academic study.

Applying to college was scary for Jenna. She felt unprepared for the emotions and feelings which the process brought up for her. She notes how important it is for colleges and universities to understand that for many care-experienced people, re-entering into education after having spent a significant time away can be daunting, triggering and overwhelming.

At age 30 Jenna matriculated at a traditional university. As she was over 26, she did not qualify for financial support at the time. She describes feeling as though she was not on the radar, invisible, and feeling like a scared teenager. As a mature student, she felt a pressure to be ‘sorted’, and a positive role model for younger students. She observed younger students who were fresh from school who had been supported to learn vital skills such as study planning. Jenna cannot recall a time where she had someone sit beside her and support her with homework or planning her learning. She strives to support her own son in this way now, as she recognises how important this support is.