Olivia Heath

My name is Olivia Heath, I am 18 years old, and I studied Level 3 Early Years and Childcare Education at South Essex Colleges Group. This is my story.

After finishing my GCSEs, I knew I wanted to become a teacher, but I also knew I needed a different approach to get there. I chose to study at SECG because it was close to home and easy to travel to, which made the transition from school feel more manageable. It gave me a clear pathway towards the career I had in mind.

One of the things I valued most about further education was the independence it gave me. I felt I was treated more like an adult, which helped me take responsibility for my learning and start thinking seriously about my future. It also allowed me to see things from a new perspective and begin shaping a clear direction for my career.

During the course, I developed a strong understanding of how children grow and learn, which is something I now carry with me into my journey towards becoming a primary school teacher. Gaining this knowledge, alongside practical experience, has helped me feel more prepared for working in education.

Work placements were a really important part of my studies. I had the opportunity to work in both a nursery and a primary school, which helped me understand the differences between the two environments and decide which path was right for me.

My time at college also helped me build confidence. I took part in presentations, met new people during placements and supported staff in caring for groups of children. These experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone in a positive way and helped me grow. The tutors were incredibly supportive, helping me overcome fears and deal with challenges both in and outside of college.

One of my favourite memories was the atmosphere in lessons. They were engaging and enjoyable, which made learning feel less overwhelming. I also really valued the chance to share experiences from placements with my classmates. Hearing each other’s stories helped us learn and feel supported as a group.

I would recommend South Essex Colleges Group to anyone considering their next step. There are so many opportunities to help you move forward, and the support available makes a real difference. The tutors, careers advisers and wellbeing teams are all there to guide you and help you feel confident in your choices.

One of my proudest achievements so far is being accepted into university to continue working towards becoming a teacher. At the start of my course, I was not sure if I would get there, so reaching that point means a lot to me.

Looking ahead, I want to complete my degree and begin my career as a teacher. I would also love to experience teaching in different parts of the UK and around the world, gaining new perspectives and continuing to grow.