Case Studies: Caitlin
Although Caitlin received a place at Brighton University, she chose to work as a Teachers Assistant with students with special needs. In order to progress in her role, a degree is required. Caitlin is currently studying Childhood studies with SEN part time as this allows her to continue working.
During the first year, Caitlin felt that she would be fine and would need to ‘get over’ any anxiety that developed. However, towards the end of the second year, the work and study balance became overwhelming, and she was struggling and thought about dropping out.
A friend and her mum said that she could get additional support, but felt that it was taking up people’s time and effort. Approaching deadlines every month, she ‘was a mess’ and soon realised that she needed help.
Caitlin had heard of the DSA, but was dubious about how it could help her and was questioning the decision even as she applied through Student Finance. Cailtin’s pre-conceptions were that she had to ‘prove’ that she was worthy of receiving help, and even questioned if she would be depressed enough, whereas that wasn’t the case at all. The application process was also a lot easier than anticipated.
Her assessor ‘was amazing and asked everything that was needed’. Cailtin says that she ‘doesn’t mind talking about her mental health’ yet her assessor was still sensitive about it, being caring and non invasive.
With her anxiety, Caitlin was worried about every stage, especially the study needs assessment. She thought it was going to be scripted with yes and no questions, however, during the assessment, she was reassured immediately – her assessor explained how long the assessment would last, that she could ask questions throughout and there would be no probing questions.
Post assessment, Caitlin was feeling anxious about the laptop and additional time for coursework and exams, but she says that “A2B went above and beyond to reassure her.”
“A2B are very good, they work around students. Everything seemed easy including speaking to the person you need to talk to withough jumping through hoops to get what you need.”
Advice: “It’s ok to get help. You don’t have to be embarrassed and in the long run, you have to prioritise yourself. University culture can revolve around grades and being a success, but with the DSA, you’re not just a number, you’re doing something positive that will help your studies. Receiving the DSA support has made uni life a lot easier.
If she received the help at the beginning, it would have helped with her anxiety. It got to the stage where it was too stressful, she didn’t think she would go to uni, or get through the full course. With the support in place, she is being her true 22-year-old self, and believes that she can finish her course.
Cailtin believes that her grades may have gone down in her final year if she didn’t have the support in place, as the stress and anxiety may have been too much.
Case Studies: Caitlin
Although Caitlin received a place at Brighton University, she chose to work as a Teachers Assistant with students with special needs. In order to progress in her role, a degree is required. Caitlin is currently studying Childhood studies with SEN part time as this allows her to continue working.
During the first year, Caitlin felt that she would be fine and would need to ‘get over’ any anxiety that developed. However, towards the end of the second year, the work and study balance became overwhelming, and she was struggling and thought about dropping out.
A friend and her mum said that she could get additional support, but felt that it was taking up people’s time and effort. Approaching deadlines every month, she ‘was a mess’ and soon realised that she needed help.
Caitlin had heard of the DSA, but was dubious about how it could help her and was questioning the decision even as she applied through Student Finance. Cailtin’s pre-conceptions were that she had to ‘prove’ that she was worthy of receiving help, and even questioned if she would be depressed enough, whereas that wasn’t the case at all. The application process was also a lot easier than anticipated.
With her anxiety, Caitlin was worried about every stage, especially the study needs assessment. She thought it was going to be scripted with yes and no questions, however, during the assessment, she was reassured immediately – her assessor explained how long the assessment would last, that she could ask questions throughout and there would be no probing questions.
Post assessment, Caitlin was feeling anxious about the laptop and additional time for coursework and exams, but she says that “A2B went above and beyond to reassure her.”
“A2B are very good, they work around students. Everything seemed easy including speaking to the person you need to talk to withough jumping through hoops to get what you need.”
Advice: “It’s ok to get help. You don’t have to be embarrassed and in the long run, you have to prioritise yourself. University culture can revolve around grades and being a success, but with the DSA, you’re not just a number, you’re doing something positive that will help your studies. Receiving the DSA support has made uni life a lot easier.
If she received the help at the beginning, it would have helped with her anxiety. It got to the stage where it was too stressful, she didn’t think she would go to uni, or get through the full course. With the support in place, she is being her true 22-year-old self, and believes that she can finish her course.
Cailtin believes that her grades may have gone down in her final year if she didn’t have the support in place, as the stress and anxiety may have been too much.
