In this post, our Year 3 (2025-2026) student, Amy Grant,  shares her inspiring journey from struggling at school to studying for a BA in Childhood Practice at the University of Edinburgh while working full-time. She reflects honestly on the challenges, the support that made a difference, and why she now believes university is for everyone,  including those who never thought it could be for them.

I never thought University was for someone like me. If someone had told a younger me that I would be studying at Edinburgh University for a degree in childhood practice while also working full-time, I would never have believed it.

About me

At school, I struggled and got very little support, feeling misunderstood, and then eventually left with not great grades. I left education believing that university was for other people, certainly not someone like me. Growing up, higher education was never something that was expected of me and something I certainly did not ever consider for myself. No one in my family had gone to university, and I never imagined I would either. I did not enjoy academic learning, and after a bad experience with school, this made me never want to be in a similar environment again.

After taking up a career in Early Years as a teenager, I found my passion, something that I was good at and enjoyed. Feeling valued and understood and having the opportunity to shape children’s lives and support and understand them, I worked my way up the ladder, and finally, I am in a senior role. This meant returning to education to get my degree in childhood practice. It felt terrifying, going back to a learning environment, which I felt had failed me in my younger years. How would I cope? Would I manage to pass? Would I be “clever” enough?

Now, I am studying for my BA in Childhood Practice and going into my 4th year while also working full-time as a Senior Early Years Officer. Even writing that still feels strange and unbelievable! I can honestly say that this has been such a positive experience for me.

My University Journey

My university journey has not always been easy. I have a learning difference, which means studying can often take me longer than it does for other people. Reading academic articles, note-taking in lectures, managing deadlines, understanding coursework, and balancing assignments alongside full-time work and family life can often feel overwhelming to me. There have been many times at the beginning when I doubted myself and questioned whether I belonged at university and if I could do this.

One of the biggest things that has helped me has been the support available through Disabled Student Support Services, lecturers, and students on the course with me. Before starting university, I did not fully realise how much support existed for students who learn differently, as this was not something that had been available to me in my school years. Having people who understand the challenges of specific learning differences and who have wanted to support me has made a huge difference to my confidence and ability to succeed. I was worried about being judged. I have always kept my struggles quiet, but I am so glad that I did not this time. I have felt noticed, listened to, and understood.

What helped me

Studying while working in early years practice has also helped me grow both personally and professionally. I can apply what I learn at university directly into my work practice, and my practical experience has helped me understand my studies in a more meaningful way. Although balancing both roles can be exhausting, it has shown me that learning does not only happen in a classroom. I still often have moments where imposter syndrome creeps in. Sometimes I still think about the version of myself who struggled at school and believed they were not capable or good enough.

My university journey so far has taught me that academic success is not only measured by exam results or how easy you find studying. Determination, resilience, studying something you are passionate about, and asking for support matter too. Being the first person in my family to attend university is something I am incredibly proud of, as is my family. It is proof that your past experiences do not define your future. Failing at school did not mean I would fail in life. If there is one thing I have learned through this journey, it is that there is no one “type” of university student. People come from different backgrounds, face different challenges, and learn in different ways.

Someone like me and YOU

For anyone who thinks university is not for them because they struggled at school or learn differently, I hope my story shows that it is possible. I never expected to end up at university, but now I cannot imagine not taking this opportunity. Now I strongly believe that university is exactly for someone like me! If you’re thinking about applying to university, or you are already studying and finding things challenging, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. The University of Edinburgh has a wide range of people there to help you succeed, from fellow students and lecturers to cohort leads, student advisers, and disability support teams. In my experience, the support available has been incredibly positive and reassuring. Asking for help can feel daunting at first, but it can make a huge difference both academically and personally. You’re not expected to navigate university alone, and there will always be someone to listen and guide you in the right direction. My own experience has shown me just how supportive the university environment can be, and I genuinely believe others can have similar positive experiences too. So the university is exactly for someone like me and YOU!

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