Mary Ainsworth’s journey is one of resilience and perseverance despite facing numerous challenges in her upbringing. At the tender age of three, Mary lost her father, leading to her placement in foster care at the age of five due to her mother’s incapacity to care for her and her siblings. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Mary’s life, involving a cycle of returning home, going back to foster care, and even experiencing homelessness during her teenage years. Throughout these turbulent times, one constant remained in Mary’s life – her deep-rooted connection to education.
School became Mary’s sanctuary, a safe haven where she could seek solace and stability amidst the chaos in her personal life. She poured herself into her studies, arriving early and leaving late, often seeking refuge in libraries before heading back to less-than-ideal living situations. Despite living in a homeless hostel and relying on housing benefits and income support, Mary persevered and managed to pass her exams, eventually gaining admission to Wrexham University.
Mary’s academic journey didn’t end with her undergraduate degree; she went on to achieve a master’s qualification and became a qualified teacher with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Today, Mary works at Wrexham University, assisting students who aspire to start their own businesses. Reflecting on her past struggles, Mary is determined to inspire and support other care leavers in pursuing higher education and accessing the necessary assistance available to them.
Recounting her challenging experiences, Mary emphasises the importance of seeking help and not hesitating to share one’s background to access needed support. Her personal encounter with homelessness just before starting her degree underscores the significance of disclosing personal circumstances to academic institutions to enable timely assistance. Mary’s story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that with determination and support, individuals from care-experienced backgrounds can break barriers and achieve their academic aspirations.
Looking back on her tumultuous journey, Mary acknowledges the hardships of being separated from her siblings and the strain on familial relationships. However, she harbours no bitterness towards her mother, recognising her illness as a contributing factor to the family’s struggles. Mary’s resilience shines through as she navigates the complexities of her past while focusing on rebuilding relationships and empowering others in similar circumstances.
Mary’s advocacy for care leavers to embrace educational opportunities resonates with her own transformative experience at Wrexham University. She urges aspiring students to disclose their care leaver status in applications and during their university tenure to access tailored support services. Wrexham University’s dedicated support package for care-experienced students, including personalised guidance, accommodation discounts, cash bursaries, and career support, underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and success among diverse student cohorts.
In sharing her story, Mary embodies the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and the transformative power of education in shaping a brighter future. Her message radiates encouragement and empowerment, instilling hope and optimism in individuals facing similar challenges. Mary’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience and unwavering determination that can propel individuals from hardship to success, underscoring the profound impact of education as a beacon of light amidst life’s darkest moments.