Emma had to overcome many challenges during her time at Northampton College, but her focus and determination to pursue a career in special education helped her achieve outstanding results.
Against all the odds Emma was awarded a triple Distinction at College and a first-class degree at University. She now wants to use her experiences to help others.
“I owe so much to Northampton College and believe they gave me the gift to achieve to the best of my ability. I was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum at school and I feel I missed out on much needed support. So, I left school to study A Levels at Northampton College and was overwhelmed by the amount of additional support available to students like myself.
“When A Levels didn’t work out for me due to my health problems the College helped me transition onto the Health & Social Care Extended Diploma. That was the best decision ever as the course was really industry-focused and gave me a massive head start in my degree as I knew all the basics.”
Emma enjoyed all aspects of the course; learning about the different pieces of legislation in relation to health and social care was something she found most useful, but it wasn’t easy with growing health issues, migraines, fatigue and loss of mobility. Emma started using a walking stick during her time at college and now uses a wheelchair.
“My tutors were amazing. I was allowed to complete my college work at home to reduce any fatigue, I was able to have breaks if I needed them and the additional support team helped throughout.”
Emma is about to start a part-time Masters Degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (Autism Pathway) at The University of Northampton.
“I want to work with people with high functioning autism so that I can prevent other students from going through the same experiences I had and help them get the support they deserve as early as possible,” said Emma. “I am proof that with the right support you really can achieve great things. I can’t thank Northampton College enough.”
