From living independently at 16 to an MA graduate, Bianca shares how she's achieved her goals with the help of CCCU.
Living independently since the age of 16, Bianca has never been one to shy away from hard work and ambition. Now with a Distinction in MA Social Work, she is set to begin a fruitful career whilst caring for her family.
What's more, Bianca balanced her studies with a part-time charity role and caring responsibilities, and is now supporting the work of Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee for the British Association of Social Workers.
Read Bianca's inspirational story here.
Juggling work and studies
"This is a massive achievement for me. Whilst studying for my MA, I worked part-time for a charity under the NHS Health Team for complaints, which was a job I was able to get through a contact I made on my first practice placement.
"It was difficult to balance everything – being completely self-funded meant that there was a lot less time for sleep! But having so much to do meant I’ve built so much resilience that I wouldn’t have had otherwise."
Working towards her goals
"I moved out of my family home in London when I was 16 and started living independently. I initially worked in administration roles, but there was always something in the back of my mind that was curious about social care and empowering other people that need that extra support.
"I decided to study a Psychosocial Studies undergraduate degree and from then I knew that this was my path. I wanted a career that would open doors for me and allow me to be part of a professional association, and so I decided to specialise in social work.
Canterbury Christ Church University was the perfect place for me to study – I could easily commute from my home near Bromley, and it allowed me to continue caring for my nan who lives locally to the University. The lecturers were really informative, and in combination with the practical placements, I feel I now have a wide knowledge base with which to start my career.
"Studying has meant I’ve learned so much about who I am, about my strengths and weaknesses - it taught me to turn up and take responsibility for myself and my future.
"Looking back at what I’ve achieved, I now want to transfer my skills and abilities to new projects and opportunities."
Working with the University
"My dissertation looked at how cultural competencies impact the professional practice of social work, and I ran a focus group that revealed significant challenges for student social workers around ethnicity and diversity.
"I’m now working with CCCU to take my recommendations from this research into practice.
"I’m also currently volunteering for the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) with the Policy, Ethics, and Human Rights Committee, supporting members to ensure practice is based on the BASW Code of Ethics and is underpinned by a human rights based approach to social work.
"It's great to have so many opportunities open to me at CCCU. If it wasn't for this University, I wouldn't have been able to gain that extra experience, which really set me apart from other graduates.
"Studying at CCCU was amazing - the support and sense of community is what really sets this University apart from others."
I’ve gone from being what most people would consider vulnerable at 16 years old, to being in a position where I can support younger women and help them believe that they are capable of success – this is my drive now and what I want to be serving to other people. Anything is achievable with hard work, the right support around you, and belief in yourself.