When single mum-of-two Sarah Clark was working in retail, people constantly told her she had a lot more to offer the world.
The 32-year-old from Eyres Monsell, Leicester, felt her job was becoming monotonous and, as a single working mum on tax credits, finances were a constant worry.
Sarah was convinced that investing time now in furthering her education, rather than standing on a shop floor, was the best way to start planning a better life for her and her two boys.
So she bit the bullet, completed an access course and joined De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Now, three years later, Sarah has graduated with a 2:1 in Health Studies and is about to start a master's degree in English Language Teaching at DMU, as she heads towards her goal of becoming a lecturer and inspiring others to further their careers through learning.
Sarah says coming to DMU is turning out to be the best career move she has made.
Thanks to overseas trips to work in Ghana and India through #DMUglobal and DMU Square Mile India, on top of volunteering in schools through DMU Square Mile, she has embraced the student experience and started creating a brighter future for her family. Her dedication to her studies also earned her a Vice-Chancellor Award earlier this year.
Sarah said: "Volunteering for DMU Square Mile at New College helped me find my vocation in life - teaching - and gave me a goal to work towards.
"I finally knew where all my hard work would lead to. It also helped me feel like I was part of university life. I felt connected to DMU, which is important when you are a mature student and not living in halls with others.
"#DMUglobal and DMU Square Mile India have been the ultimate experiences for me. They have given me chances to explore parts of the world I would never have been able to otherwise, being a single mum of two and a lot older than some of my peers.
"These trips have broadened my views on life and culture and will certainly make me stand out from the crowd when applying for work after uni! And that is essential for mature students competing in a youthful work market.
"On top of that, my studies have meant I have met so many new people and grown with them. We have presented work together, learned together, debated important issues together and gained a deeper understanding of society together.
"I constantly recommend DMU to others considering becoming a mature student! If they are unsure of what they want to do, I tell them to do a course in something they enjoy and the rest will follow! Their age should never, ever be an issue and they will certainly not feel out of place at DMU."
Sarah is now looking forward to starting her Master's in English Language Teaching in October, which has been made possible by the Vice-Chancellor's 2020 Scholarship.
The scholarship provides DMU graduates with a tuition fee discount of up to 50 per cent on selected courses if they have achieved a 2:1 or above. It is part of DMUs commitment to help graduates enhance their careers and personal development through further study.
Sarah said: "I needed a subject base to teach in. I want to be the best in my field. With the Vice-Chancellor's 2020 offer, a master's was the obvious choice for me. I had many meetings with lecturers, did a lot of research and attended multiple open evenings and open days to make my final decision. At half price, a master's is still a financial commitment, so I wanted to be sure I was choosing the course that would move my career in the right direction."
Sarah also appreciates the efforts of family and friends to help her achieve her goals.
"I always say to my mum that I couldn't have completed uni without her because she has been such a great support to me and my sons. Although she assures me I would have done it anyway!
"The support of my family, friends, peers and lecturers has been amazing and a big factor in helping me graduate and learn to the best of my ability.
"Uni life is hard. With two dependent children, it is even harder. You have to be committed, determined and dedicated to your studies. I am no different from my younger peers. I have arrived at the library at 4.40pm and left at 9.30am the next morning and done the same at the dining table at home. But, wow, the feeling you get when you have finished that essay cannot be put into words."
Posted on Monday 22 August 2016