Joanna: Why I Chose Northampton
Hello, my name is Joanna Hubbard and I am a 2020 Graduate in BA Early Childhood Studies.
I can honestly say that university has been the best opportunity and three years of my life to date. I would, and I do, encourage everybody I meet to go to university; not only for the degree itself, but for all the amazing memories and experiences that surround it.
One of the best parts of university is how everybody has different stories on how they ended up in higher education. For me personally, I finished sixth form and my A-levels and headed straight to uni. I went to a total of nine open days (I know, it’s a lot!) just because I was worried I would miss the best one for me; I went to a variety of universities, big and small, campus and city, modern and old, until I found Northampton.
A common question I get asked is why I chose Northampton, and the honest answer is, as soon as I walked onto the campus I just knew it was right. I know that sounds cheesy and cliché, but it’s true. Before university I struggled a lot with my mental health; on the open day we had a ‘taster session’ for my course and I had a panic attack, the lecturers didn’t make a fuss, but instead comforted me and did all that they could to reduce my anxious feelings. This one instance gave me the knowledge that this university would be full of support and I was not wrong.
I chose to study Early Childhood Studies as I have always known I have a passion with working with children, but I was unsure in what area. This degree gives you the opportunity to follow many different paths with opportunities for learning and knowledge in all areas. For example, I have a strong passion in working with special educational needs and disability, however other fellow course mates are following careers in; primary education, counselling, mental health, safeguarding, social work etc. The routes and paths following graduation are endless.
My favourite aspect to the course was the diverse teaching styles; in the first year especially we had endless group tasks, we learnt songs, made posters, and had real world experience. One of my other favourite aspects to the course is how you feel close to everybody; I speak to and know every person on my course, and I feel supported and comfortable with all my lecturers. The course itself has provided me with endless knowledge and experiences that have shaped my future. Over the three years at university I completed a total of 11 weeks on placement, with an additional optional week in Sweden. I have experienced diverse modules including child development, safeguarding, law, health, diversity and pedagogy to name a few. My course has also provided us with free training sessions including paediatric first aid, sign language and partnership with parents. I would 1000% recommend this course to anybody interested in working with children, I have absolutely loved this course and loved my time at Northampton.
However, one thing I tell everybody I know is that University is NOT just about the course, it really is about so much more. I know personally, that while at University my confidence and self-belief has improved massively. The little things such as calling the doctors, making your bed alone, going food shopping, making dinner, signing contracts; these experiences all prepare you for the future. University for me has matured myself into an adult, I now know the true meaning of multi-tasking, how to budget, and how to balance work and life. While at university I have had a total of three different part time jobs (at different points in my university journey), one of these was as a Student Life Ambassador and the other two were at educational settings. These jobs added to my university experience, giving me real world experience and knowledge in the career path I wish to follow.
My number one piece of advice — JOIN A SPORT OR SOCIETY! With my hand on my heart, university would not have been the same if I didn’t join the Dance Club on Union Day in Freshers 2017. I have had the opportunity to be a choreographer for two years and being both Vice Captain 18/19 and Captain 19/20. I have had endless experiences and opportunities and made life long memories. I am leaving university with friends for life. I have also had opportunities to do mental health training sessions, lead groups of people, organise large events and prepare and time-manage. At every interview I have ever had, my time in the Dance Club and Committee has always been asked about, mentioned or discussed. But maybe even more importantly, it has given me something else to do rather than studying 24/7, it has given me a mental break, and an opportunity for relaxation, as well as pure fun and enjoyment. I can’t stress how important it has been for me to have the Dance Club, and how important it is while at university to experience so much more than just the course you have chosen to study.
Believe me when I say, I have been told multiple times that I should concentrate more on this or that or quit something altogether, but it is possible to balance and manage it all. I am leaving university with a First-Class Degree; all while managing being on the Dance Committee for two years, going to competitions among placement, three part-time jobs, a relationship and I have still gone out with my friends. If you set your mind to it, you can do it too. Don’t get me wrong, I have spent many all-nighters in the library working away at an assignment, I have spent many days crying over all the stress and struggling to balance everything; but here I am, I am graduating with a First, and I have never given up or quit anything.
Next year I will be starting my teacher training journey via a salaried schools direct position at a special educational needs and disability school; which I am so excited for. However, I do feel very odd leaving Northampton and leaving university; I wish it would never end. I am going to leave you with four pieces of advice I wish I knew when moving to university.
1) JOIN A SPORT OR SOCIETY
2) USE FRESHERS WEEK TO GET TO KNOW AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN. NOT JUST YOUR COURSE MATES OR FLATMATES
3) KEEP IN CONTACT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS FROM HOME OFTEN
4) EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING AND DON’T REGRET ANYTHING.
Maybe we will see you in Northampton soon?
Joanna x
