I see we are living in a world now where situations, people and things are becoming more acceptable. It’s a lot better now than in the past, as the years continue to unfold and some traditions and biases are fading out. I see a balance especially where some older and middle-aged people are still set in their ways of thinking, not willing to budge and others are open and willing to change. This culture of diversity, equal rights, forums and communication allows people to now have a voice, share opinions and be heard and also accepted.

Because of my race, class and abilities, my thinking 20 years ago would be that I would no way be able to start or get involved in a PgCert. I would have assumed it was out of my league. Sometimes I battle with my mind constantly convincing myself that I am a community person and not an academic. Constantly asking myself am I doing the right thing and equally on the other hand knowing confidently I am a person of professional influence that has worked within recognised and creative industries. I am a character that brings change and able to transfer skills naturally, communicate and engages well with others, I’m the person that can brighten up a room, the person who walks with compassions, willing to listen and talks to anyone and has time for people in need, which to some people would be a chore or a struggle. You either have it or you don’t. Maybe its maturity or do I have an interest, I didn’t realise I had, I now find myself watching more news than ever before and enjoying listening to phone-in and talk radio stations and enjoying the informative conversations. I have a desire to understand what is going on in the world. Is this because I feel more involved or because I have a responsibility to share information, or am I trying to improve my knowledge on life’s circumstances. Whatever it is I’m happy doing so.

Teaching and supporting the students on the Business Design Management course at LCC is brilliant. It’s rewarding when the light bulb moments click in with the students with in depth conversations allowing them to explore and challenge ideas, while developing and enhancing their portfolios for presentation days.