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'After a number of job moves I realised I was not happy and I began to reflect on where my passions and interests lay.'

Name: Lise-Ann B

Age: 27

Studying: BA Hons Architecture at Birmingham City University

Qualifications: A levels

I left school following completion of my GCSEs, went on to study A levels at college and completed these in 2001 at 18. During my A levels I was planning to go straight onto university to study law however by the time I had completed my A levels I did not feel ready to move into further education. I therefore decided to take a year out and explore my interests.

I began exploring the internet to find out about studying whilst working and found information about Open University courses. I also began to look at the UCAS website which I had become familiar with during my A levels when I was initially considering going into higher education.

Following my year out I decided that I was still not ready to undertake a higher education course as I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do, and did not like the idea of spending three years and lots of money on something that I wasn't passionate about. As a result I began working in the financial services industry for the next seven years, achieving various industry qualifications. But, after a number of job moves, I realised I was not happy and I began to reflect on where my passions and interests lay. This led me to begin exploring degrees that would combine my creative and logical interests.

I decided to pursue a place on an architectural course as I felt this would enable me to employ the skills I had acquired in my working life so far and also explore my creativity.

My initial concerns about returning to higher education were financial. I was worried that I would find it difficult no longer having a monthly salary. I also still have a mortgage to cover which was a concern. Thankfully my background in financial services has given me the skills to manage a budget and be sensible with money, I have adapted well but I worry that I will graduate worse off than when I started my degree.

I was concerned that I would find the return to studying a culture shock. However, returning to education was a very different experience as I was far more self-motivated and passionate about my studies than I had been at a younger age. I think the fact that I had chosen to study something I was interested in, and that I was responsible for how successful I would be, gave me the drive to manage my time well and embrace all aspects of my course. I am now in the second year of my degree and I have found the challenges of returning to education very rewarding.

My advice to anyone considering returning to higher education would be to make sure you chose a course you have a passion for, if you love what you are doing the rest will fall into place and for the most part it won't feel like work!