From Nursery to University: My Journey of Overcoming Challenges to Pursue my Passion
Date 13 November 2023
Jessica Jade Maxey has just embarked on a very scary but exciting journey in becoming a mature student. Jessica had to change her job and fit her life around this new chapter of her life, but it is all for her future goals.
My back story
A little back story about me, I have worked with children for over nine years and absolutely love my job in a nursery. I gained my level 3 in Early Years Education around five years ago but that’s the closest I’ve been to education in many years. Throughout my teenage life rolling into adult life, I have really struggled with various mental health issues including depression, anxiety and an eating disorder. However, through talking therapies and self-help I have managed to come out the other side and love my life again! (I never thought this was possible), this is the main reason for my choosing my course and having the passion to help others achieve what I thought was impossible.
My journey so far
July 2023, I saw an open day for UON and decided to go along to see what they had to offer to help me achieve my goals of becoming a counselor and learning more about mental health. My boyfriend came with me for support, and I really enjoyed the day! I have to say I am quite impulsive and the drive to help others thrive really pushed me into applying to come to uni this year! I went home and the following week I applied for the course through clearing, and I was so lucky to find out the same day that I was made an unconditional offer for the University of Northampton to study Psychology Counselling.
The scary stuff
Being 26, I had my adult life in full swing I had a job, a flat bills to pay for (all the boring adult duties) so I wasn’t sure how I was going to balance everything and go to uni, but my drive pushed me forward and I managed to go part time at work and go full time at uni. I will always be so grateful that I got given the chance for this opportunity. Even though I am classed as a mature student you best believe I was ready to go back to feeling 18 and studying all over again!
My first few weeks at the UON
I was TERRIFIED to start my first week! I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t know the campus or what I was doing. However, with so much support from my family and friends I went in with confidence and began to find a routine that works for me. Meeting new people has always been scary to me but I pushed that aside and dived straight into life at uni as a mature student. I wasn’t living on campus, so I didn’t join in with the classic uni activities like freshers, but I still had a great first few weeks and was in absolute awe learning about my favourite topic.
My advice to you
Do it! Even if you fear the unknown, use your passion your drive to really push for what you want for your own life. It’s never too late. The thought of university might be scary, but I can honestly say no matter what my life ends up being I will never regret the choice I made in July 2023.
More information
Open Days are a great way to explore the campus, visit our student accommodation on offer, chat to current students and staff and student support teams, which will help you get a feel for what life could be like for you here at Northampton.
Book your place at one of our up and coming open days.
Jess is a mature student who is in her first year studying Psychology (Counselling).