Originally from Poland, Wioleta moved to the UK in 2012. A mum of two, she’s spent the last several years building not just a new life in a new country, but a future filled with purpose and ambition.
After settling near a university, she would often watch students walking past and imagine herself joining them one day. “It made me realise this was something I wanted too,” she said. “I wanted to be part of that.” That quiet ambition led her to City College Plymouth in 2017 and now she’s preparing to start university, with plans to become a therapist.
Wioleta’s journey began with an ESOL course to improve her English. That led to GCSEs in English, biology and math, subjects she hadn’t studied since school and had never taken in English.
“Those earlier courses prepared me for the Access to Health and Social Care course,” she said. “They helped me believe in myself.”
Before coming to the College, Wioleta had never written an essay in English or practised academic skills like time management and critical thinking. Through her courses, she developed those skills and the confidence to keep going.
“City College Plymouth helped me become more open with people. I was quite shy before, now I’m much more confident, and I can say what I think,” she said. “I’ve learned how to listen, how to think critically, and how to work in a team. I’ve developed so many skills that I’ll take with me to university and beyond.”
As well as academic growth, Wioleta found community and support. “The best thing about the College was the people. I met amazing friends, we supported each other through everything,” she said. “We had breakfasts together and studied together. That was so special.”
She also made use of College facilities and support services. “The library was great – I love books – and printing was cheap. I used the counselling service too. It helped me clear my head when I was overwhelmed. I felt supported all the way through.”
Now preparing to start a degree in counselling and therapy, Wioleta says her next step feels like the natural continuation of everything she’s learned, not just in the classroom, but about herself.
“I’m interested in emotionally focused therapy. It’s about helping people process emotions, rather than run from them,” she said. “We need to accept our emotions and allow others to feel. I want to help people feel safe and supported.”
She’s still exploring which path she might take, perhaps working with children, women, or with the elderly, but her goal is clear: to help others the way she has been helped.
“I want to keep working hard, stay enthusiastic, and never be afraid to make mistakes. We all make them but that’s how we learn and grow.”
Her message to anyone considering education later in life? “Just do it. Believe in yourself. Once you’re at the College, help is everywhere. Everyone wants you to succeed. They’ll believe in you before you believe in yourself.”
Looking back, Wioleta added: “You don’t even know how amazing this journey is going to be. It will be hard, but it will change your life. Every mistake, every challenge, they’re all part of getting where you want to be.”
