Kirsty Cutler
Kirsty Cutler’s journey into higher education shows that it’s never too late to take a new direction.
“I dropped out of university when I was 19,” she explains. “And I always wanted to go back but there was always something in the way.”
For a long time, returning to study remained an ambition rather than a reality. It wasn’t until a major life moment that things changed.
“In the end I took the plunge when I was on maternity leave,” she says. “Six months postpartum, I was like, right that’s it. If I’m gonna do it, it’s gonna be now.”
Kirsty returned to education by enrolling on the Applied Health and Social Care top-up degree, a decision that quickly proved to be the right one. Balancing study alongside work and family life could have felt overwhelming, but she found the course structure made it achievable.
“I would say to anybody, this degree offers you so much flexibility,” she explains. “The modules on this course run like back to back in one day. For me, that’s enabled me the flexibility to come to university and work at the same time.”
Just as important as the structure was the support she received along the way. “Even though you’re not in uni five days a week, you’ve got so much support there that you really don’t need to be,” she says. “The support from my tutors made a real difference."
Juggling multiple responsibilities became part of everyday life, but Kirsty is clear that it can be done. “I found that even with all my responsibilities, with work and having children and wanting to achieve good grades, it’s 100% possible.”
Through her studies, Kirsty built a strong foundation for her career in adult social care, particularly in understanding the policies and frameworks that guide practice.
“The legislation I studied during my degree underpins everything I do now,” she says. “Without it, I wouldn’t feel as equipped as I am today.”
Now working as a Targeted Adult Support Worker at Worcestershire County Council, Kirsty uses that knowledge every day in a role focused on supporting adults to maintain independence and wellbeing.
Reflecting on her journey, Kirsty’s experience shows that it’s never too late to return to education – and that with the right support and flexibility, it’s possible to balance study, work and family life while building a rewarding career.
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