Towards the end of school, I had a paper round and waited on at the local pub. I started working for a garden nursery which I loved, I was working outside, learning all about plants and gardens. I thought this was what I wanted to do. The owners said they planned on sending me to Myerscough college, however shortly after it shut down. I worked in a factory for a short time, but because of ill health at the time I had to finish work there. I never really knew what I wanted to do in my career and at times felt a lot pressure because I didn't know and thought I should have all the answers and have everything figured out. 

I started work at 69 bedded nursing home at the time at Thistleton Lodge which was long hours but so rewarding. This is where it all changed for me, I knew from that point I loved to help people and care for them. 

I then went on to become a HCA (Health Care Assistant) working part time on elderly medical ward at a community hospital, again I loved this role but unfortunately they decided to change the ward to orthopaedics which I did for a short time, but found it wasn't for me.

Searching for a job I found a post close to home in the community still under the NHS, listing support workers for people with Learning disabilities. I did this job for 7 years and enjoyed every single shift I did. The role was to support people with Learning disabilities to learn daily living skills and support with health and wellbeing. I was able to complete my NVQ 3 in health and social care there and I went to Lancaster college to do training on learning disabilities. 

From there I felt I needed a new challenge and to push myself. I got a job at Guild lodge medium secure mental health hospital as a support worker. This was very different to anything I had done before. I learnt so much on the wards and feel this was great experience. I also learnt more about myself, like building self confidence and resilience. This led me to community mental health team where I was offered apprenticeship to do Trainee Nurse Associate degree at university where I am in the last year of the course, with a view to complete the top up and complete my training to become a registered nurse. What I will say is, don't feel pressured to have everything figured out, sometimes it's best to go for things, this will open new doors and bring new opportunities you never thought were possible!