Distance Learning Can be for Everyone
“As one gets older it is also not easy to go to a learning academy or institute and be surrounded by younger people. By home learning, any person of any age can study whatever they want.”
So, it was the flexibility that Oxbridge offered as a distance learning provider that made it easy and convenient for Sandra to study as a mature student with a job.
“I was working every day but would then study in the evenings and at weekends.”
However, her determination and enjoyment of the course meant that Sandra didn’t mind studying the course in her spare time.
“I got so engrossed in the course that I looked forward to working on it, rather than watching TV or doing anything else.”
An Inspirational Experience
For Sandra, the desire to study a life coaching qualification came from an experience she had in her workplace, which inspired her to find out more.
“When I was working in Cape Town at the firm of solicitors, they had a lady come around to our office once a month to teach life skills."
“I was fascinated that at my age I was being taught the simplest of things, which helped me deal with situations and other people. I found I was more grounded and not as stressed as a result of the life skills I was learning.”
This encouraged Sandra to find out more about the process of becoming a life coach. Described by her friends as caring and genuine, she wanted to be able to improve people’s lives in the way that the life coach had done for her.
“I was able to deal with things much better and wanted to share this with other people. I enjoy helping people and wished that they could be happier in their lives and more content.
I also wanted to help them to put things into perspective and not to ‘sweat the small stuff’.”
Favourite Features
Within the course, Sandra really liked studying the modules that would enable her to put this into practice and encourage others to become their best selves.
“I enjoyed any of the topics that related to improving yourself and learning to become a more content person in yourself.”
Her favourite aspects of the course therefore included ‘Coaching Using Positive Psychology’, which covered how to set and achieve your goals.
Loving the Challenge
Whilst Sandra was enthusiastic to start her course, she was also a bit nervous about what lie ahead.
“I was excited to start studying when I received the course in the mail.
“However, after being out of school for over 45 years without doing any studying, it was also a bit daunting.
“The first few times I looked at the contents of the course, I wondered if I had taken on more than I could chew. But then I slowly started getting into a routine.”
The Recommended Routine
So, what did Sandra do to progress in her course?
“It took me a while to figure out what I needed to do, but then I started downloading podcasts and I was thoroughly enjoying researching different things.
Sandra suggests taking the time to make notes as you go along when watching webinars.
“That was the best way that I could understand things.
“I wrote a lot and then went over my notes to answer the questions.
“I have learnt to be more focused, and I am amazed at what is out there to study.”
The Mature Approach
Having gained her qualification with Oxbridge, would Sandra recommend distance learning to prospective mature students?
“Yes, I would recommend home learning, as one cannot always afford to not work and study full time, so this is one way of being able to do it. Another advantage is that you can also do it in your own time.
“So many people are in jobs they don’t enjoy, but they need to keep them, so this way they can work towards a goal in their own time whilst having a steady income.
“I have learnt that I can put my mind to something and succeed no matter the age. I am so sorry that I was not able to do this sooner, as I feel like I could go on learning."
The Next Step
“I would like to become a good Life Coach that can help others.
“I therefore plan to study further within the field of life coaching, so I can guide people towards more fulfilling lives.
Advice for Others
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in this way of living to do the course, whether it be for themselves, to help others or to start up their own business. I believe it is going to be a fulfilling way to earn a living and will enrich my life.”
We hope you’ve enjoyed Sandra’s success story. If you’re looking for a career change like Sandra, have a look at our range of courses or call one of our course advisers on 0121 630 3000.