Nicky Jecks
Having left school with few qualifications, Nicky Jecks became a single mother with what seemed like few prospects. She never imagined that four children and 13 years later, she would be on her way to study Medicine at Cambridge University.
Nicky is currently studying A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Sociology, and she was awarded with a Student of the Year Award by Tresham College. She has consistently achieved high grades and scored 100 per cent in four of her papers, despite having to unexpectedly deliver her fourth child alone at home during her studies.
Her tutor, Gill Hayduk, said, “She was present in my lecture on Friday, gave birth on the following Tuesday and was back in lessons on Monday, having completed work that was set during the previous week.”
As well as her many family commitments and studies, Nicky provides respite care to two elderly relatives and mentors a young lady with a learning disability. She has also had six years of working with adults with learning disabilities and is experienced at helping care for people with autism. She was also part of a large medical team working in a nursing home.
Nicky said, “I returned to education thinking that I was too old to embark on a change of career.”
She continued, “Since returning to education I have rediscovered a delight in learning. Juggling family and college life has given me confidence in my ability to cope under great pressure and has made me even more determined to succeed. Learning has afforded me the opportunity to change my life by offering my family a bright future.”
Since winning the award, Nicky has now moved to Cambridge and has began her Medicine studies at the University of Cambridge.