Teresa Cook Foundation Degree in Early Years at the University of Portsmouth

It’s never easy taking up studies again after a long break from working life, but for Teresa Cook, who has a disabled son to care for as well as being unwell with ME, studying her NVQ qualifications in Early Education and Childcare has been an extra special accomplishment. And that’s not all! Teresa is going to university in September to study a Foundation Degree at the University of Portsmouth. She really is a great example of what can be achieved when you’re determined.

Teresa’s story demonstrates how someone can go to university and make a success of their chosen career, even when they have to juggle their studies with a demanding family life, illness and a full-time job.

Family

Teresa has been married to Paul for 23 years and has three children. Her son Josh, aged 21, is disabled and lives at home. Her twin daughters, Betsi and Abi aged 20, are at university.

Early life and experience

Leaving school with 16 CSEs Teresa went to college to study O’ Levels before becoming a dental nurse. However, she stopped working to have a family and didn’t return to work until 1993. This is when Teresa embarked on her studies in Early Years; undertaking a taster course which she completed successfully and enjoyed. She also did a few part-time courses relating to Early Years work.

Spotting Teresa’s talent and determination her employer picked her out as a good candidate for a future supervisor and encouraged her to enrol on the NVQ 3 in Early Education and Childcare – which she completed in 1999.

Onwards and upwards

In 2005/2006 Teresa completed a level 4 course recognised by CACHE – during this time she discovered that she had a flair for reading and writing essays and was surprised at her own success. In February 2007 Teresa started her NVQ 4. Teresa says balancing her work, studies and family life gave her the skills she needed to succeed. Her family’s support was also crucial, especially as all this work was being done while ill with Chronic Fatigue (also known as ME).

Fast tracked at university

Completing the NVQ 4 Teresa realised she was able to study at a higher level, and could use all she learnt in her work as well. She’s now going to study for a degree at the University of Portsmouth this year. She’s been given a fast track which means she can join the degree course in year 2. Teresa has also made a full recovery from her illness and is now looking forward to an exciting future

Teresa says she’s in her job because she wants to “make a difference”, but she also loves it and hope’s she will be inspiration for other people like herself.