Libby's Story

First of all, I would like to say that I was tricked! I had no idea this was going to be quite so big! Last week, Avril ( Head of Group) asked me if I would write a speech, just a little one, for her Annual General Meeting. Now a year ago, had someone requested I do this, I truly would have turned on my heels and ran. Nothing would have seemed more impossible! And yet, here I am, unfazed and totally delighted and proud to have been asked to share my story.

My name is Libby. I' m 31 a mother of two and I’m a strong, independent and creative woman.

The last year and a half has been a huge journey for me, emotionally, physically and mentally. And a huge part of that journey has been my experience with women and work. I came to women and work through Women' s Aid. I felt more positive about life and yet very uncertain, suffering from low self esteem but with just enough confidence to want more.

Women and Work was a warm and positive place to be and my involvement, from client to the role of Learner Support has been one of the best times in my life. I began and completed two courses, one in Interpersonal Skills and the other in Jobsearch Skills. I had no idea what to expect, but the idea of study was exciting. I admit that with Jobsearch Skills, I went in feeling that there was little I could learn about job hunting, but I couldn' t have been more wrong. In a word, this course drew out of me an understanding of my talents and what I have to offer an employer as well as a sense of pride and knowledge that an employer will want me too!

I met new women, I learnt how to write a fantastic C.V. and how to represent myself confidently and appropriately. I learnt more than I could have imagined, so much so that I was able to use it in helping my partner write a new C.V. and with interview techniques and building his confidence too!

Then there was Interpersonal Skills. Wow! What a life changing experience that was! It was, in brief, an emotional roller coaster but in an amazingly positive way. It was a safe and confidential environment where I could really share my foibles and issues with other women and learn about theirs, and in so doing, work together to build our self esteem and confidence. An understanding and knowledge of other religions, cultures and lifestyles and comparatively offering ideas and views in a bid to help one another. Learning invaluable techniques and ideals that have penetrated so deeply that all I can do is sing their praises and want to share them with the world.

I came away from this course a different woman. In fact I believe I made the transition from girl to woman during the process of this course and my involvement with Women and Work.

I have since taken and passed the Understanding Community Development course and the Aimhigher Course for advice, information and guidance into higher education. I also hope to begin the level 3 Understanding Community Development course in September. Busy, busy!

Since finding a new confidence with love and understanding for myself, I have found a meaning and desire for the ideal of work. I know what it is that I want to do, I am inspired and creative and possess a new drive to pursue my working life path. Women and Work is a place where I feel valued and a place that I value very highly. Both what it has to offer to the women of Milton Keynes, and the women who make it.

I have spent many years doubting myself and my ability as a woman and as a mother, but now, I appreciate myself and congratulate myself. I look forward to a future, still uncertain in many ways, not because I doubt myself, but because there are so many options! So many opportunities! University, Youth Work & Projects, Learner Support, wife, mother, superstar!

The sky is the limit when you get given the chance to explore who you are, to build and grow. I know now that I have a future that I can see and plan for. Off the back of the U.C.D. Course, I wrote an inspirational proposal for a youth project, which was distributed by one of my tutors to various organisations in Milton Keynes. As a consequence I have applied for volunteer work with Interaction MK and have been asked to embark on a project for NEET ( Not in Employment Education or Training) Youth in regeneration, areas within Milton Keynes with Connexions! I am over the moon and very excited about the possibilities and outcomes of both these ventures.

I am a woman that wants to and will go out to work, with ability and enthusiasm. It may have taken 15 years to find the right direction, but I got here in the end and it could have taken another 15 years without Women and Work, and so I say thank you. Long may your work continue!