For someone who had never considered childcare as a career path, Kayla Clark has ‘absolutely loved’ her time studying the Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care.
To then be named as a Valedictorian for the Horowhenua campus was the surprise icing on the cake.
"When I got the call about being Valedictorian I was really excited - I didn't expect it at all! It feels amazing, and it's great to be graduating. You feel like you've accomplished something real."
When she looks back over the last year, Kayla says it's been a great experience. "I thought the topics we did were so knowledgeable and fun, and I really enjoyed hanging out with kids when I was on placement. I've even used some of the techniques with my own son. I love watching his face light up when he learns or discovers something new and exciting."
As a young mum, Kayla felt the flexibility of UCOL made learning a much easier opportunity to take up. "The class times, campus being close to home - it really enabled me to balance study with caring for my son.
"Some days it is hard to study with a child, but the teachers were so accommodating and helpful, responding to me whenever they could. If I put up a question on the forum, I'd even get replies on weekends. The students too - everyone was so nice, and we felt we were all on the same journey. The smaller classes also meant more one-on-one learning, which I really liked."
Kayla says the student support services were another great lifeline. "I received a lot of support. Everyone should take full advantage of the Student Success team, they offer a lot of help with assessments and can go over things with you to make sure you're on the right track. If I was confused about anything, I could also go to my tutor and ask silly questions - which she never thought were silly, even if I did!"
If she had to name the most useful thing she learned during her course, Kayla had a quick answer. "Patience! You know, we often don't realise exactly how children's brains work. For so many things, it's the first time they're ever doing that kind of task, and so as adults we forget that and we don't know why it's taking so long. It's good to have just a bit more patience, and knowledge of their development behind it."
Kayla's enjoyed studying so much that she's not stopping - in fact, she's already begun her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5). "I'm loving it so far. There's a lot of information to take in but between the teachers and everyone in class, it's such an inviting environment. I want to go all the way and finish my Bachelors.
"You know it's interesting. This is nothing like what I thought I'd be doing! I thought I'd go into an automotive course but I ended up finding my love in childcare. That's what I'd tell others if they're thinking about it - don't be afraid, the UCOL team are willing to help you with absolutely anything, big or small. No matter what age you are, you should give it a go."
Check out the programmes available at UCOL Horowhenua and our Early Childhood Education programmes.