Sabrina shares her educational and professional journey, starting with college life, progressing through university, and leading to her current role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at a local children’s hospice. We learn about the highs and lows of Sabrina’s story, from growing up in poverty as a young carer, to enrolling with the Eastern education Group, and studying while juggling childcare, health challenges, and financial struggles – but with the support of her tutors, she overcame these obstacles and succeeded. Sabrina also had many memories from her time at the Group, one of which included attending the Gala awards evening which showcased the incredible talent at West Suffolk College
What inspired you to join the Eastern Education group?
I joined West Suffolk in 2016 doing the access to higher education- nursing course, with the long-term aim to attend university eventually becoming a palliative care nurse.
Following the birth of my eldest son I decided it was time to pursue my ambition to become a nurse. As a young carer who grew up living in poverty, I didn’t do particularly well in school and knew I needed to do some additional study to achieve my goals. West Suffolk College provided the flexibility I needed by offering evening classes (something I couldn’t find anywhere else), which helped me achieve the grades I needed for university. I met Bridget Pretherick, the course lead, before starting and she was so understanding and encouraging – I knew I would be silly not to take the opportunity.
How did your education with the Group prepare you for university and working life?
I completed my studies at West Suffolk College in 2017 with 45 distinctions. It was a tough year dealing with childcare, health issues and financial struggles. However, the support from the tutors, particularly Bridget and Carolyn, gave me the confidence, skills and support I needed to succeed.
Upon completing my studies at West Suffolk College, I felt fully prepared to start university and was awarded Standout Student of the Year in 2017.
Following this, I was offered a place at the University of Suffolk to study Child Health Nursing, and I graduated from there in 2020 with first class honors.
Since graduating, I have worked at local hospitals and hospices and I now work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at a local children’s hospice, supporting families in the most difficult of times.
Do you have any memories you want to share from your time here?
I have many fond memories of my time at West Suffolk College. I learnt a huge amount from the lessons, which encouraged deep thinking but were always peppered with laughter. We were a close-knit group, and I made lifelong friends, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers as nurses and midwives.
My favorite memory was attending the Gala awards evening, a brilliant celebration where we listened to music and were served a dinner prepared by current students. It was a fabulous event which showcased the incredible talent at West Suffolk College.
Do you have any last words or advice in celebration of our 100 years of history?
It’s a very profound thing when others can see potential in you that you don’t see yourself and the tutors at West Suffolk College somehow managed to help me realise my potential, giving me the confidence to be able to reach it. My life genuinely wouldn’t be the same if I had not attended.
Believe in yourself, work hard and take on every opportunity that is given to you.
What an incredible establishment, 100 years is an amazing achievement and here’s to 100 more! Thank you for everything you do!
