Emma’s Story

Student gains ‘dream job’ one month after graduating.

‘Everyone is equal, love conquers all and life is what you make it’ were three key messages that were said by Emma Lawrance from Thetford during her graduation ceremony.

The 50 year old gave an emotional speech to fellow students at the 2021 University of Suffolk at West Suffolk College graduation ceremony on Saturday 9 October 2021.

Emma had been out of education for over 30 years before starting an Access to Higher Education course with the University of Suffolk at West Suffolk College in 2017.

Prior to doing this, after leaving school at the age of 15 Emma worked in a variety of roles.

She initially got a job in a supermarket then worked in a factory before having her first child.

Emma then juggled motherhood and work, gaining positions with Norfolk County Council and Centre Parcs before becoming a beauty therapist and then working in a spa.

It was whilst working in the spa that she met another therapist who had studied on a degree in sports science that gave her the idea of further study.

Emma takes up the story: “Going back into education appealed to me, so I popped into West Suffolk College and was told that I could do a degree via the Access route. I signed up to this and started on a fast track course. It wasn’t easy but the support staff helped me through.”

On completing the initial six month course, Emma decided to start a BA (Hons) in Business Management and part way through her course she saw an advert that was looking to appoint a student governor at the college.

Emma decided to apply for this role and was given the position. She said: “This was the first time that the college had ever had a student governor specifically for higher education. I did some campaigning and got elected. It was a very active 18 months and I was seen as being a key member of the senior leadership team. It was incredibly useful and I really think it helped me get my current job.”

Literally a month after graduating, Emma secured ‘my dream job’ working as a Projects Officer at Mildenhall Town Council. In this post, she is helping manage the Covid recovery by organising events, creating forums and by working with the local business community. She is also developing work experience opportunities for people of all ages through her College connections.

Going back to her degree, Emma graduated this year with first class honours.

Reflecting on her time at the College, she said: “I was incredibly motivated to complete the degree after years of struggling. I felt that I had drifted a bit through life without much purpose – but doing the degree really gave me that purpose. I surpassed all of my expectations in terms what I learnt, the experiences I had and the skills I gained.”

And what would she say to others who have been out of education for a while?

“I’d say, think about going back into education. If you feel that you can do it – then go for it. If you feel that you can’t do it – then go for it anyway as there is always someone to support you and you never know what path this will take you on.”