Karen started her Eastern Education Group journey as a student in the 1980s, studying an English GCSE at the Northgate Annexe. Owing to an inspiring English teacher, she chose to continue studying and joined the first ever Access to HE group, where she discovered new subjects and academic interests. After completing her university studies, she returned to the College to teach and later became Course Director for an Access to HE course and is proud of the many lives the Access course has transformed. Karen only retired from the EEG last academic year.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
My journey with Eastern Education Group began back in the 1980s, when I enrolled on my very first course – GCSE English. School hadn’t been easy for me, and I left without any qualifications. By my late twenties, I knew it was time to change that. Since spelling was always a challenge, I decided to start with English.
The course took place at the Northgate Street campus, and it was there that I met an inspiring teacher, Gill Reid. She not only supported me in my learning, but also recognised that I was dyslexic – something that explained the struggles I had faced at school. That discovery changed everything, and it was the start of a new and more positive chapter in my education.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
I was proud to be a student on the very first Access to HE course offered by the Eastern Education Group. The program included English, History, Psychology, and Sociology, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding courses I have ever taken. It opened my eyes to new subjects, all of which I found fascinating. To my surprise, I even developed an appreciation for poetry and Shakespeare – something I never thought possible!
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
I was fortunate to have some truly amazing teachers who inspired me throughout my studies. One of them was Dinkie Williamson, who taught me A Level Psychology. She continually encouraged me, building my confidence and equipping me with strategies to manage my dyslexia. Another was Jack Fawbert, who introduced me to Sociology – a subject I had never studied before but one that quickly became a passion, inspiring me to go on and study it at university.
What did you go onto to do after studying at College?
I went on to study Sociology at the University of Essex, as at that time Eastern Education Group did not yet offer degrees. Later, I returned to the College as a lecturer. Alongside completing my PGCE and Masters, I took on a variety of teaching roles and eventually began teaching on several Access to HE courses. It has been incredibly rewarding to see students beginning their own journeys and transforming their lives—just as I did more than 30 years ago.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
Eastern Education Group has been a wonderful place to both study and work, leaving a lasting impact on countless people’s lives.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
My advice to future students would be to make the most of every opportunity – don’t be afraid to try new subjects, challenge yourself, and ask for help when you need it. For staff, I would say never underestimate the difference you can make; your support and encouragement can truly change lives. Eastern Education Group has such a strong tradition of helping people achieve their potential, and I hope that continues for the next 100 years.
