I feel that Birmingham University chose me! I met with a lecturer at the time who was very supportive. I also chose Birmingham to study because it was local, and it looked like a university where I could be taught be prolific people.

Why did you choose to study Childhood Culture and Education and does it continue to impact on your experiences? 

At the time I wanted to work with children through education to help them shape a great future for them. Although longer term, I didn’t go into a career working with children, the course I studied helped increase my knowledge and interest in equality and diversity, also it covered the multilayering of the psychosocial elements in social sciences. 

Describe your current role and organisation

I am a senior cognitive behavioural therapist and I have recently trained to focus on working with with people with long term medically unexplained conditions.

A typical day is a clinic of roughly five people, each having an hour session. We work on identifying behaviours, thoughts, and emotion they want to either increase or reduce. There much more to it effectively we teach individuals to be their own therapist.  I don’t see my role as a job, more a part of my purpose. I meet many different individuals from all cultures and heritage, on top of that I learn a great deal about myself and be intentional in being the best that I can be for myself and therefore for others.  

What would be your top tip for students to help them make the most out of their time at Birmingham?

Firstly I would say know your interests and what goals you have and then link it to what is on campus, for example societies and clubs. When I studied here there was an opportunity for you to start your own society. I was the class representative and was also part of an equality and diversity initiative run by the school. Another tip would be to plug into everything that the Guild of Students can offer – they offer lots of different activities and opportunities.