At 39 years of age, I made a decision that changed the entire direction of my life: I stepped back into education. After years of lived experience, recovery, and supporting others, I knew I wanted to do more than just focus on the frontline,  I wanted to understand the deeper academic foundations behind addiction, community development, and social change.

I began with the Diploma in Addiction Studies in UL. That course lit a fire in me. It gave me the theory, structure, and academic grounding I felt I needed to make an even bigger impact on the lives of people living with addiction. It showed me that education wasn’t something to be feared, it was something that could empower me, refine my voice, and strengthen the work I was already doing in the community.

That led me to pursue the BA (Hons) in Community & Addiction Studies, a course that completely shaped who I am today. The modules, the lecturers, the placements, and the people I met taught me about trauma, inequality, leadership, recovery, and the power of community. More importantly, it taught me about myself. It helped me grow,  personally, academically, and professionally.

Now, with my degree completed, I’m continuing the journey even further. I’ve progressed into a master's in strategic leadership & Workplace Wellbeing, with future ambitions to move into research and contribute to real change in the sectors I care so deeply about.

Education has given me purpose, structure, confidence, and the belief that it’s never too late to start again. If sharing my story helps even one person take that first step, then it’s worth every word.

Never be ashamed to start again.