Violet's story

"I worked as a support worker for adults with disabilities and mental health problems for six years."

Before I came to Essex, I worked as a support worker for adults with disabilities and mental health problems for six years. I worked alongside lots of different professionals, such as physiotherapists and speech and language therapists, and realised that I just really liked what occupational therapists do. I don’t think it’s a very well-known career, but their work is so important.

I’m originally from Surrey, and I’m very close to my family, so Essex wasn’t one of my initial choices because it’s a bit far from home. I decided to take a look around anyway, and that’s what won me over. I came and had a chat with the lecturers and realised it was a really good course and was exactly what I wanted to do. Now I think I want to stay in Essex after I graduate; I really like it here!

I think going to university is an achievement in itself. Balancing coursework, your social life, work; it’s not easy, it can be a bit of a struggle. I’m really looking forward to graduating, and to celebrating that achievement. I’m planning on going into work straight afterwards. I think it’s important to always expect the unexpected; I’m excited to see what the future holds.