When Libbi Powell enrolled on the Level 3 Health and Social Care course at Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, she had an interest in caring for others and wanted to turn this into her career.
Two years later, she left college not only with strong grades and a clear career path, but with a prestigious Academic Scholarship from the University of Worcester, recognising her hard work and potential as she began training as a Children’s Nurse.
During her college course, Libbi balanced her studies with volunteering for St John’s Ambulance, and spending time supporting residents in a local nursing home. She credits these experiences with helping her understand the realities and rewards of working in healthcare.
“They were always encouraging me,” she said. “The team at the care home recommended the University of Worcester because lots of them had studied there themselves. They all told me how the staff were friendly, and the course was really good.”
Her college studies helped her make the decision to study at university; she particularly enjoyed the psychology elements of her course.
“I really liked learning about behavioural issues in children,” she said. “I watch a lot of documentaries, so I’ve always been interested in why people think and act the way they do.”
Libbi describes making lots of friends at college, friendships that have lasted well beyond leaving after her final year. One friend in particular has been central to her journey.
“We actually live together now,” she said. “I recommended the course to her when we were at college, and we applied to university together; I am studying Children’s Nursing, she is studying Adult Nursing.”
The pair lived in university accommodation during their first year, before moving into private housing together for their second year.
Coming from Herefordshire, staying relatively close to home was important for Libbi and her family. Worcester felt right for her.
“It was bigger than Hereford, but still a nice, small city and university,” she said. “Not too big or overwhelming, so it felt like I could really do this.”
Now in her second year, Libbi has thrived on placement and enjoys the practical side of Children’s Nursing. “I’ve made a lot of new friends from different places, and I’ve really enjoyed my placements,” she said.
Receiving her Academic Scholarship award based on her college achievements came as a surprise.
“I was shocked, but it gave me so much more confidence,” she said. “I didn’t have much confidence in my work in college, but getting the scholarship helped me believe in myself.”
Libbi carried that confidence into her university life, especially when adjusting to writing at degree level.
“It made me feel a lot better about tackling my nursing assignments!” she said.