Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How Leeds Beckett changed my life as a mature student with a learning disability
Hey there! I'm Nora, a mature student at Leeds Beckett juggling studies, motherhood, and a learning disability. This blog is about my journey and how Leeds Beckett changed my life.
My previous educational experience
Growing up, school was tough. My learning disability went unnoticed, and I was often labelled as "lazy" or "dumb." My teacher only saw me as a pupil who did not want to learn. I frequently lost my attention during the lessons, and when asked to recall what had been said, I often had no idea, leading them to believe I simply wasn't paying attention. My reading speed was slow, and I struggled to reflect on what I had taken in. As for my notes, they were a mess—unorganised and unreadable despite my efforts to take them. It was heartbreaking because I was curious and eager to learn, but traditional teaching methods just didn't work for me. Year after year, I felt more defeated, unsupported, and misunderstood, convinced that higher education was a dream I'd never reach.
It was the start of understanding myself better and receiving a tailored support plan that finally acknowledged my learning style and challenges.
Finding Leeds Beckett
Fast-forward to my thirties, and I decided to be brave and give education another shot—for myself and my two young boys. The day I met the disability team at Leeds Beckett was life-changing—they listened to my story without judgment and offered me an assessment.
A kind lady from the British Psychological Society at The Education Guidance Service did a comprehensive assessment with me. The assessment lasted around two hours and was conducted remotely via Zoom. It included various tasks and questions about my past educational experiences, current challenges, and potential helpful strategies. The assessment identified my specific learning disability, highlighting issues with short-term visual memory, attention, hand-eye coordination, and difficulties in absorbing oral information. When sharing these results with LBU, it wasn't a dismissal of my abilities; instead, it was the start of understanding myself better and receiving a tailored support plan that finally acknowledged my learning style and challenges.
The assessment report was very detailed and included suggestions on what type of support could help me, such as additional supportive software and extra time to complete my assessments. The support that I received was extraordinary. The Leeds Beckett Disability Team provided resources and strategies specifically suited to helping me get the most out of my time here. The staff spent countless hours helping me learn to use the different software in ways that made sense to me. Their dedication made me feel capable and confident, something I hadn't felt in a long time.
A balancing act
Being a student and a mum isn't easy. There were days when I doubted myself, but Leeds Beckett's understanding and flexibility made a huge difference. The staff understood that I was first and foremost a Mum and sometimes life happens, they were there to support me through it all. This allowed me to balance my academic responsibilities with my duties as a mother. Many times, I was so glad to be able to see my children's concerts and celebration assemblies, and I was part of their lives when they needed me. If you want to read a little more about the official support for parents provided by the University, you can do so here.
A community of acceptance
One of the most surprising and heartwarming aspects of my time at Leeds Beckett has been the sense of community. Despite my age, language barriers, and the demands of motherhood, my peers have always embraced me. My younger classmates invited me to social events and study groups, making me feel like I truly belonged. This acceptance was a game-changer for my confidence and overall university experience.
Leeds Beckett University transformed my life and my opinion on education. The personalised support and welcoming community here showed me that higher education was not just a shelved dream but a reality completely within my reach.
Leeds Beckett University transformed my life and my opinion on education. The personalised support and welcoming community here showed me that higher education was not just a shelved dream but a reality completely within my reach. I will never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt at the end of my second-year placements. I had never imagined that I could succeed, not only in my second year but also in my interviews with placement providers and in presenting my own project ideas to help others. I was incredibly proud when people recognised my abilities and strengths rather than my weaknesses. It made me believe that I could show my boys that no matter the barriers we face, we can achieve anything we set our minds to when we put ourselves in the right environment.
If you're a parent, a mature student considering returning to education, or a student with physical or invisible disabilities, Leeds Beckett is the place where your unique needs will be understood and supported.
Leeds Beckett doesn't just prepare you for a career; it nurtures your individuality and helps you grow in ways you never thought possible. Come and see for yourself how this incredible university and city can change your life. For more information on the support available, visit our student support services page.
