Larissa Burnett
Larissa, 28, returned to learning in her early twenties because, after she left school, she had been unable to complete any further education due to personal difficulties.
First, she did an A-level in Psychology, followed by a 12-week Personal Development Programme with the Prince’s Trust and the local fire service.
This led to an HND in Public Services at Brockenhurst College. She finished this course two years later in 2007 and was awarded the Royal Navy Achievement Shield for the best overall HND student.
Larissa then went to the University of Worcester to do a degree in Public Services and is in line to get a First. This was another big step for Larissa, studying at this level whilst still experiencing difficulties and living away in a hall of residence, far from the security of her flat and support service.
She is now off to do a placement with the Fire and Rescue Service, which will be followed by a summer internship with the civil service.
“When I consider how I was before entering education, the difference is immense”, says Larissa.