Blessing

My name is Blessing, and I am from Nigeria. I’m studying Adult Nursing.

What motivated you to study this course?

I have worked in the NHS as a Mental Health Support Worker for six years, and although I enjoy the work, I felt like I had reached a point where I couldn’t progress further. I decided to pursue a degree in nursing so I could continue my career development. I’ve always admired nurses and the important work they do in the NHS, so obtaining a degree seemed like the next step for me.

Did you have any concerns or barriers when thinking about joining your course, and how did the university help you?

Yes, I was initially worried about not fully understanding the assignments and whether I would receive enough support. I was unsure if I could manage, but Birmingham Newman University has been incredibly helpful. They’ve made me feel like anyone can study here, regardless of their background. At first, I was scared, but the way they worked with me and provided support made me feel much more relaxed and confident.

What aspect of the course do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy the research aspect of the course. Initially, I didn’t know much about referencing, but now I find it fascinating. I used to see references when reading, but I didn’t understand them. Now that I know how to use them, I can see where the information comes from, and it’s been very helpful. The library workshops and one-on-one sessions with the librarian have been instrumental in teaching me how to do it. I missed an appointment once, but the librarian kindly reminded me, which I appreciated.

How are you finding your tutors, and the university in general?

I absolutely love my tutors, including Frankie, Mike, and Cat. They are all extremely helpful. If I don’t understand something, I can easily reach out to them via email, and they always respond right away. They don’t just send me off to figure things out on my own; they provide helpful links and resources to guide me.

What advice would you give anyone considering studying your course at Birmingham Newman?

My advice would be not to be scared. Stay confident and remember that there is always help available. If you’re worried about studying nursing or feel like you can’t cope, know that you absolutely can. There is support from tutors, librarians, and the entire university community. You won’t be alone on your journey.