Jodie White

MA Education

Having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as anxiety, Jodie has had a difficult few years. However, she’s using this as the driving force behind her postgraduate degree in MA Education and wants to inspire young students who suffer with the same issues. Jodie has just enrolled onto her course but is hopeful and excited for the future.

“I have a passion for learning and I’ve always wanted to take my education to the next level. Having support and help from knowledgeable, friendly and supportive staff, and that feeling of being part of a family really helps whilst you’re studying. I was enrolled in at another university for a short while and it did not compare to the support, love and passion that BCU staff members have.

I’ve always aspired to work with young people who come from difficult backgrounds and who may have special educational needs, disabilities or mental health issues. I want to enable my learners to reach and exceed their potential and ensure they are valued, cared for and have the right support and a professional who will advocate for their needs and help to develop their social skills, confidence and ability.

I’ve had a difficult time over the past few years myself, having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, I also have mental health issues and anxiety. The university have supported me with this by listening to my needs and supporting me to create a plan to help me get the most out of university. It’s a scary feeling coming into a Master’s when you are fresh out of university, plus with the conditions I have and being the first person in your family to even attempt university. I’m hoping that I will be able to build my confidence so I can take full advantage of the learning opportunities I still continue to have.

I’m really passionate about education and particularly ensuring all children's needs are met. Whether those children are gifted, talented and performing way above their age and stage, to children who have complex needs and require lots of support and help. I believe all children should be able to reach their potential and have the right support in place. We are all individuals and I want to ensure that children get the right care and support from passionate people who have understanding. I also have a passion for working with young people with mental health difficulties as I feel that this is often extremely overlooked and people do not realise that children's mental health and well-being suffer more than they ever have done in recent years. This is close to my heart and the driving force behind my postgraduate study.

At postgraduate level, the standards are higher and there is an emphasis for you to attend, take notes, get the most out of lectures and to find, retain and analyse information for yourself, whereas you get a little bit more support and guidance at undergraduate. BCU encourage independence but aren’t afraid to ask if you are alright and will build up a rapport and confidence to ensure that students are OK.

‘I AM BCU’ to me, means that I am a part of a family. I have been able to develop skills, learn new things and build my confidence whilst I am here. I am proud to wear the logo and I promote the university anywhere I go. BCU is a second home, full of loving, kind, caring and knowledgeable professionals who genuinely care about you. I know no matter where I go that BCU is engrained into me and I will never forget the time I had, the people I met or the things I have learned.”