Julijana’s Dedication to Learning: ESOL to Level 3 Learner

Julijana has been on quite the learner journey with us, which she has shared in hopes to inspire others! 
From not knowing much English and feeling excluded, to studying a Level 3 course with a job lined up and truly feeling part of society.

When Julijana first moved to the UK, she didn’t know much English and couldn’t easily communicate with new people. Although Julijana had her family, she still felt secluded and wanted to develop new relationships. One of her son’s classmate’s mothers recommended Leicester Adult Education’s ESOL courses to Julijana, as she had once been one of our learners.

Julijana has been on quite the learner journey with us, but first she gave herself the goal to gain her functional skills qualifications. Julijana’s journey started when she enrolled onto our ESOL Entry 2 course in 2019.

“Once I started to study, I couldn’t stop! In fact, I’ve never missed a single lesson. It’s been such an enjoyable journey which has been helped by the kind and understanding tutors.”

Julijana’s motivation led her to then study ESOL Entry 2, 3 and then ESOL level 1 and level 2. She also completed Maths for ESOL, Maths Entry 2, and 3 and then Level 1 and 2 Maths.

Julijana has thrived learning with other adults on similar paths to herself. She told us the learning environment was supportive, especially around exam time and even with helping each other with personal hardships outside of the classroom.

One thing that Julijana is really thankful for on her ESOL courses was that although they learnt the important functional skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, they also learnt about Leicester and its culture. Julijana’s class would take trips to Leicester Museums, the Curve theatre, the market and many more places.

“We learnt a lot about Leicester, which meant a lot to me. When I first moved to Leicester, I didn’t know anything about it and the culture. The courses helped me to get out and socialise with different people, in real life situations which really helped my confidence. Now, I really love living here, being part of the community and being able to learn here. I’m so glad I had this opportunity, as without Leicester Adult Education, I wouldn’t have.”

The functional skills qualifications gave Julijana the essential skills and confidence which have set her up for where she is now, studying our Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education course.

As part of this course, Julijana has a placement at a local Nursery. The nursery management were really impressed with Julijana’s hard work so much so that they offered her a job with them!

Julijana’s hard work to get to where she is today is really inspirational and she hopes to encourage anyone who is unsure to give adult learning a go. In Julijana’s words, “you won’t regret it, you can only achieve and it's never too late!”.

Would you like to start your adult learning journey with us?

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