Kelly’s success story: from following passions to helping others
When Kelly decided to go back to college at the age of 36, she wasn’t sure where it would lead. What she did know was that she wanted to do something just for herself, something that made her happy.
I kept thinking: what would you want to do because you just enjoy it? What would make you happy?
Kelly, a mum of three, had spent years focused on her family. Her eldest daughter has autism and other health needs, and Kelly often had to be on hand to support her through school and hospital appointments. Working full-time wasn’t possible, so Kelly found another way to cope, through art.
She began drawing and painting in 2016 to support her own mental health.
I started to draw and paint to help manage my own anxiety and improve my mental health. It gave me time to decompress and do something just for me. I didn’t study art in school, so I was learning from YouTube.
As her daughter grew older and began sixth form, Kelly decided it was time to do something for herself. Enrolling on the UAL Art Foundation course at Wirral Met College gave her the chance to learn from experienced teachers, develop her portfolio, and immerse herself in a subject she loved.
At first, Kelly admits she was nervous:
I panicked a little at first as I didn’t realise how much writing was involved with art. I adjusted though and found the written work interesting, and I had great support from my tutors.
But it wasn’t just her creativity that flourished, Kelly also discovered how naturally she supported her classmates, particularly those with additional needs. She recalls helping one student adjust after a difficult change in her day.
I found myself calming her down and suggested we met at dinner. It wasn’t a big deal for me to change my lunch plans, but it meant so much to her and made her feel better. I liked that I could help her settle down and feel more content. I understood how difficult changes like that can be as I have seen this with my daughter.
Kelly’s tutors noticed her kindness and patience. Over the course of the year, she became a supportive presence in the classroom, often stepping in to help calm situations and encourage others.
Little things like that made me realise it comes naturally to me to help. I started to think about a role in a college like Wirral Met. I could still do my paintings at home and work helping students feel supported. I felt excited then, like I had finally worked out what I would like to do!
This realisation inspired Kelly to take the next step. After finishing her art course, she enrolled on a six-week teaching assistant course and went on to complete a mental health support qualification.
Kelly’s dedication and kindness didn’t go unnoticed; she was awarded Student of the Year for her outstanding contribution to her class.
I didn’t even know about Student of the Year awards and panicked for a second when I was called out of class. It was a lovely surprise, and I was so shocked. I don’t usually win anything! It was so lovely to be nominated.
Now, Kelly has come full circle, she is working with Wirral Met to support students, using her experience and training to help others achieve their potential.
I know how it feels in education to feel a little lost and worried,” she said. “If I can help others not feel that as much, that would be amazing.
As Wirral celebrates GCSE results day, Kelly’s story highlights how alternative pathways can open new doors, proving it’s never too late to learn, to grow, and to follow your passions.
