From Chef to Speech and Language Therapist: Q&A with Access to HE Learner, Melanie Hawkins

I have been studying the evening Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) course.

I grew up in Chatham, Kent and I enjoyed school and did well until the end of Year 10. I then had to move schools in Year 11 which was really challenging. I also became estranged from my parents and lived on my own when I was 16, so although I went to college to study an NVQ in food nutrition, I also had to work part-time and care for my grandmother who had breathing and swallowing difficulties. I had a lot going on at that time.

My time studying led me to me working as a chef at a young age and I worked my way up to Head Chef by the age of 22.

During my time away from the workplace to raise my children, I decided that I wanted to retrain as a speech and language therapist. It has always been a quiet passion, but I struggled to believe I was academically capable of achieving my goals. Becoming a speech and language therapist needs me to have a degree, however I never any Level 3 qualifications as I went straight into part-time work alongside training to be a Chef at Mid Kent College. 

My very supportive partner has encouraged me to really go for it and retrain which has given me the confidence to make a big difference to my life.

I've always had ambitions to work in speech therapy, and caring for my grandmother who had breathing and swallowing difficulties gave me a understanding of how this profession can make sure a big difference to the lives of others.

During the year, but particularly at the start, I faced feelings of Imposter Syndrome and doubted my capabilities. My tutors, particularly Heather has been incredibly encouraging and has supported me through conversations and academic support. When I've faced personal or academic challenges, they have reminded me of how far I have come since the start of the course. The teaching team have honestly made my college experience far more amazing that I could have ever expected when I enrolled.

The course as a whole is highly relevant to my chosen degree. Speech and Language Therapy incorporates Biology, Psychology and Health, so I feel genuinely prepared for the challenges of university. For the first time in my life, I have confidence in my academic capabilities and I have also made some wonderful friendships over the last few months. We have become each other's support network which has been a positive experience.

Study Skills have been a necessary brush-up for me. With not being in education for a long time, it has helped me to re-learn things I had forgotten or out of practice with that are essential for academia and working in a professional field. It has also helped me to plan out my time better to manage my workload more effectively.

Health studies for evening students like myself is taught through an online learning portal. You do still get support for this during your in-person classes, but prioritising can be challenging. On a plus side, it has expanded my knowledge, particularly in my chosen profession, as much of it is directed with your chosen career in mind.

The workload is intense because you are fitting so much into such a short space of time. Managing time is critical on this course and having young children, it can be particularly challenging.

Biology started as a big challenge for me. I did not love it at the start, but with the amazing tutors, the support and their own passion for the subject, I not only improved hugely in my work, but  I have now developed a love for biology that I never expected. I am now excited to learn more about this at university.

Yes, I have used the Advanced Learner Loan and had support with travel costs and meals at college. Without this, I would not have been able to afford to attend and my retraining options would have been severely limited.

I have applied to study a full-time 4-year Integrated Master's in Speech and Language Therapy at Keele University.

I want to become a Speech and Language Therapist for children with speech difficulties. Having two young children and seeing first-hand the difference language and communication can make to the lives of both children and adults and having cared for my grandmother, I really want to succeed in this field.

There is never a perfect time to start. It is challenging but it is absolutely worth it. My advice would be to get comfortable with lots of reading before the course. Brush up on the basics of the subjects to strengthen your initial understanding and do not afraid to ask for help. The support is there if you need it.