Casey Gavin

I joined Adult Education Wolverhampton in 2017 to begin my learning journey.Recommended by my social worker (who had also started her journey at Adult Education) I joined the Access to Higher Education course in Social Science and have since then, never looked back.

I was a young carer from the age of 10 then went into care at the age of 12. It wasn't easy growing up but this gave me the strength and determination to work hard to gain whatever I needed to succeed. I have a 3 year old son and will do everything in my power to give him a better start in life.

I had always planned to go to university but at the age of 17 I found myself pregnant so my plan was put on hold. When my son was 2 I decided it was time to start again and put my plan back into action.

When I started the Access course I was riddled with fear. At school I was bullied and was really apprehensive about this new environment, wondering if I would encounter the same sort of experience here? My fears were soon quashed and the beginning of a really positive time was about to start. It was a very supportive environment in which I could learn and grow. Nothing was too much for my teachers; the support was second to none.

Adult Education gave me the qualifications I needed to progress to university it also gave me the opportunity to make new lifelong friends. I am now studying full time on the BSC HONS Psychology course at the University of Wolverhampton. I work part time for Wolverhampton City Council, am a proud single mum and hopefully a good role model to my son.

My plan is to aim high… I'd like to teach psychology and work with children in care, helping Kids just like myself. I'd also like to have a PHD by the time I'm 30.

My past doesn't define me it has just made me stronger. From the frightened 12 year old who went into care, I think I've done ok. I am living proof that with hard work, support and determination you can reach your goals.