Mum of three, Caroline Read, turned her life around after enrolling on an Access to Higher Education nursing course
After becoming a mum at a young age Caroline Read from South Wales, found herself suffering from depression and failing to find any ambition.
Caroline believed that gaining qualifications and having a career was not an option.
With renewed determination and guidance from her support worker, Caroline enrolled on psychology and counselling courses at her local community centre.
After successfully completing these courses, Caroline's confidence grew. She found herself determined to be a good role model to her children and inspired to pursue a career in nursing.
Caroline enrolled on an Adult Foundation course at Cardiff and the Vale College before progressing on to the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing and Health Related Professions.
In 2014, Caroline's determination and commitment to learning was recognised when she was awarded joint winner of the annual Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education Learner of the Year Award.
Caroline said, "I’m delighted to have won this award – it means so much. Going back into education has been a life changing step for me and I’d urge anyone who is considering doing it later in life to go for it – it’s not too late and I only wish I’d done it sooner myself”.
Jane Chambers, Caroline’s course tutor, said, "Caroline is truly an inspirational student. She has triumphed over adversity and conquered her considerable challenges where most people would have given up.
Caroline achieved at the highest level. She certainly deserves an award and this view is supported by everyone who knows her.”
Caroline is now applying to do a Nursing degree at Cardiff University.
Watch an interview with Caroline.