Sarah Brook
Sarah said she struggled with academic achievement until she discovered that she had been living with dyslexia for most of her life.
She initially studied for a Foundation Degree in Creative Art Therapy Studies with the City of Bristol College, before completing a top-up degree at Worcester, graduating with a First Class Honours in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
“I’ve finally achieved a degree on my third attempt, thanks to the extra support I received, “she said. “I am so grateful for that support, and totally thrilled that I finally succeeded.”
Sarah, who has lived with depression and ADHD for most of her life, overcame a range of personal challenges and showed incredible persistence in completing her degree at the third attempt, which only makes her achievement in securing a First all the more remarkable.
“I have attempted to study for a degree twice before, but owing to my mental health, my neurodiversity, the pressures of being a single parent and of being bereaved of both parents, I didn't complete them,” she said.”
And Sarah is convinced that taking full advantage of the support on offer from the University and Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) played a crucial part in her success.
“I am convinced that taking full advantage of the extra support from Disabled Student's Allowance, such as a regular mentor and the assistive technology provided was the key to my achievement this time around,” she said.
“DSA provided me with a specialist educational mentor who I saw once a week for support. This was invaluable in helping me keep motivated and complete my degree.”
Sarah has now secured a job working in one of the key areas that she wanted to pursue after her studies, but she has not ruled out a return to study, possibly with a Masters, in the near future.
Allied Health and Community at Worcester