Wendy Jakeman is living proof that a challenging start in life is no bar to going on to achieve your dreams.
Despite being in care as a teenager and then bringing up four children, 50-year-old Wendy Jakeman, from Llangybi, near Pwllheli, is being hailed a role model for people who want a second chance at education.
Wendy successfully completed the one-year-old residential social science course at Coleg Harlech, and went on to obtain a first-class BA in sociology at Bangor University.
She is about to study for a post-graduate certificate in education which she hopes will be her passport to a career as a further education tutor.
Wendy was invited back to Coleg Harlech to speak about her experiences at the annual awards ceremony of the college, which specialises in giving people like herself a second chance of gaining an education.
Wendy first embarked on a social studies course at the college 20 years ago.
At that time, she already had two children – Louise, now 31, and Ellie, who is 28.
But when two more babies came along – Sam, now 25, and Toby, 23, she found looking after them encroached on her study time so she gave up on the course.
But as her children grew up Wendy decided to try the same course again in 2008/09.
At virtually the same time daughter Louise herself graduated from Cardiff University and told her mum: “You can do it, go on!”
So Wendy did do it and this time went on to successfully complete the course.
During her time at Coleg Harlech she also found time to be elected as a student governor, which she says was a “very positive and interesting experience” and gave her the chance to meet a diverse group of people all working together towards a common aim.
While the bulk of her post-graduate studies will be based at colleges in Pwllheli and Dolgellau, Wendy is delighted she will be returning to Coleg Harlech for her teaching practice – something she is greatly looking forward to, she said.
Wendy told the large group of students, staff and guests who gathered for the awards ceremony in the college’s own theatre overlooking Tremadog Bay: “I was in care when I was young, as were lots of people who are here.
“It is a hard ladder to climb up and out of when you’ve been in that situation, especially for the young ones.
“I came here when I was younger but didn’t make it then but seeing the opportunity it gives the younger ones is fantastic.
“The level of tutors here is fantastic, they really are good mentors. They push you to bring out your best abilities. There’s masses of support here.”
She added: “I would say to new students, be prepared to work hard and be prepared to make some personal sacrifices.
“Relatively speaking, it is a short amount of time out of your life. Whatever level you come out at it will make a difference to every aspect of your life, skills and confidence.
“That’s what I have gained out of it. I’ve improved skills and gained masses of confidence in just writing and researching.
“The college is unique and it’s very important that it keeps going because what it offers to the particular type of people who come here is vital.
“There should be more places like Coleg Harlech all over the country.
“This college is an exceptional place and it should continue to get support for what it does – it’s invaluable.”
Coleg Harlech Principal Trefor Fȏn Owen was delighted that Wendy had agreed to address the prize-giving ceremony.
He said: “Wendy’s story is a great inspiration to students following in her footsteps. She is a magnificent role model.”
Coleg Harlech WEA are currently accepting applications for September. For more information go to the website www.harlech.ac.uk or ring Coleg Harlech on 01766 781900.
