Spotlight on Talent – Brooke

Studied: Level 3 Health and Social Care
Progression: BSc Midwifery – University of Staffordshire

“Seeing Walsall College’s Health Suite for the first time made my career ambitions feel real.”

“A college open day gave me the opportunity to look round the facilities and speak with tutors about what the health and social care course involved.

“I loved the idea of the Health Suite.  It helped give me the self-belief to see myself doing this as a career.”

“Watching programmes like One Born Every Minute with my mum really inspired me.”

“My mum wanted to be a midwife but never had the opportunity.  In a way, my studies are for both of us.

“She was also a teen mum, so I understand the stigma and lack of support that can exist.  I want to be there for young people who need help most.”

“I overcame imposter syndrome with the help of my tutors.”

“I had ambition but didn’t always think I was clever enough to work in healthcare.  And I was really shy before college.

“But the tutors and my work experience helped me come out of my shell.

“Tutors treated students like adults and always pushed me to do my best.  They gave me the confidence to apply to university, helped with assignments and supported me through the whole UCAS process.”

“Volunteering on a maternity ward proved transformational.  It set me up for my degree.”

“I spent seven months on a volunteer placement.  Without that, I wouldn’t have been able to get my university place.  There were only three of us aged 18 on my midwifery degree course, so it was a huge achievement.

“I’ve now passed all my second-year assignments and received positive feedback from midwives on my degree placement.  The hours are intense – including night shifts – but when I think how far I’ve come, I’m just proud of myself.”

“The healthcare sector needs people, and your support really matters.”

“To anyone considering studying health and social care, do it.  It opens so many doors and pathways, even if you’re not 100% certain what you want to do yet.”