Jessica, 35, from Shrewsbury, enrolled on learndirect's Psychology A-Level in April 2025 while balancing life as a full-time carer for her disabled son and managing her own health conditions.
Having not been in education since the age of 11, Jessica is now building her confidence through online learning while taking the first steps towards a future career helping others.
Balancing study with responsibilities
For Jessica, returning to education needed to fit around the realities of everyday life.
"I'm a full-time carer to my disabled child. He's almost 18 now but still requires constant care. I also have my own health needs, including muscle tension dysphonia which at times leads to complete loss of voice and even on good days I can only be heard if an environment is completely silent in a broken whisper, which just isn't conducive to environments generally needed to study."
Despite these challenges, Jessica was determined to pursue a qualification that aligned with her interests and future ambitions.
"My goal is to be in a role where I can help people. Whether that be with my combination of lived experience and my qualification or with my qualifications alone."
Why online learning was the right choice
Traditional classroom learning was never a realistic option for Jessica. Instead, online learning gave her the flexibility she needed to study around her existing commitments.
"[With] my lifestyle, being a full-time carer and [having] my own significant health issues, a classroom environment would not have worked. It's been great, I can pick up when and where I have the time. At times it’s a little lonely but that's where the [learndirect: Community Hub] has come to the rescue!"
Creating a better future
Studying Psychology has become more than just a qualification for Jessica. It has given her something that belongs entirely to her. "I love having something for myself. It's given me something to take pride in, that's just mine."
Her passion for the subject continues to motivate her as she works towards her long-term goals.
"Psychology has always interested me. I'm a massive watcher of human behaviour and this course has not only been helpful for me to focus on, it's something I'm hugely passionate about and [my qualification] will be the first stepping stone to me finally being able to get out in the world and create a career which will lead to a better life for us as a family."
Jessica's advice for future learners
Jessica would happily recommend learndirect to others, particularly those with caring responsibilities who need a flexible way to study. "Absolutely, I'd recommend [learndirect], especially to people whose lives are similar to mine with caring duties."
For anyone considering taking a similar course, her advice is simple:
"If you want something for yourself that gives you a sense of pride, absolutely do it!"
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