We sat down with Sarah Karim, who recently completed both the Level 2 and Level 3 Counselling courses at Middlesbrough College!
16 years after studying Crime and Investigation at University, Sarah decided to return to education and pursue a career in counselling.
She said, “I studied a degree in Crime and Investigation at Teesside University, with an aim to go into forensic science, but life took me down a different path.
“I always thought about getting back into education, but it was never the right time. Now, with two adult children and a 16-year-old, I decided it’s time to start thinking about me.
“I first attended Middlesbrough College after leaving secondary school – I had such a positive experience, and the atmosphere was great, so it seemed like a natural choice to come here again!”
Although Sarah has completed her counselling courses, she isn’t stepping away from studying for long. She will soon begin the Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning course to gain classroom experience and move closer to a career in teaching.
She said, “I never thought I’d work in education, but now I would love to work part-time as a counsellor, and part-time teaching counselling to others – purely down to the positive experience I’ve had at Middlesbrough College!”
Not only has Sarah gained a qualification to kickstart her career, but she has also formed strong bonds with new friends on the course. She said, “I can honestly say that this course has changed all of our lives. I expected lots of theory and classroom-based work, but actually, the course focuses on skills practice and discussions – everyone works together.”
To anyone thinking about returning to education at Middlesbrough College, Sarah offers this advice: “The hardest thing is getting through the door, but once you do, you realise it’s a wonderful place to be and it will change your life.”
Related articles