Joint Highly Commended in the Access to HE Student Achievement Award 2011 - Lisa Wood

Nominated by Angela Ince Redcar & Cleveland College

Lisa had worked in the same dental practice for many years and for a long time had wanted to train to be a dental therapist and hygienist. As a mother to young children this was never an option as the relevant degrees were only offered further afield. When Teesside opened its state-of-the-art dental school, Lisa decided that it was now or never and planned to apply for a place on the BSC Dental Hygiene and Therapy course, however at the open day the university highlighted that there were only 12 places and 170 applications. With competition for places tough, Lisa needed to be sure that she met the stringent entry requirements for the course and enrolled on the Access to HE Diploma health pathway at Redcar and Cleveland College.

Lisa worked incredibly hard throughout the course to ensure work was completed on time and she achieved straight distinctions for all Level 3 units. She needed to continue to work at the surgery, manage her hectic home life whilst giving full attention to the course. Taking a drop in pay placed further pressure on both Lisa and her family as did the health problems with 1 of her children as this involved regular hospital appointments.

Despite all the pressures and stiff competition, Lisa was successful in securing a place on the degree course and is now working towards her goal to qualify and work as a dental hygienist / therapist; a fantastic example of how, with enough determination and ambition, any goal can be achieved.