Balancing parenthood and education: How young parents Megan and Saxon built a brighter future at Coleg Llandrillo

Balancing college coursework with the daily demands of raising a young child is no easy feat, but for 19-year-old Megan and 20-year-old Saxon, it has been the catalyst for creating a brighter future for their family.

Both students recently completed their Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care at Coleg Llandrillo, a milestone that has set them firmly on the path toward rewarding careers in the healthcare sector.

For Megan, taking the step to enroll in further education was driven by a clear goal: achieving stability for her daughter.

"I wanted a career where I could have a stable job and financial stability, not only for my future but for my daughter," Megan explains. "I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do at first, but I knew I wanted to go into the healthcare sector. I decided to start this course because it opened up so many different paths and options."

While both Megan’s and Saxon’s families rallied around them to assist with childcare, the financial and logistical practicalities of balancing parenthood with study could still have posed a barrier. However, Coleg Llandrillo’s dedicated support services helped bridge the gap.

“There is a range of different support for parents attending college”, said Megan. “For example they have a childcare grant that covers 95% of childcare, which can take the financial pressure off. My daughter gave me motivation to have determination to achieve the best I could while being in college.”

A supportive campus environment

Beyond financial assistance, Megan highlights the compassionate approach of her tutors as a key factor in their success.

"From the first day I started, the college and tutors have been very supportive and inclusive around my circumstances," she says. "Some days can be difficult, tiring, or mean missing a class, but the tutors are always there to help in any way they can. The support I received helped build my confidence and boost my resilience to balance college and being a parent."

Megan also points out that returning to education provided an important social lifeline during what can often be an isolating period for young parents.

"Being a young parent can be very lonely," she shares. "Going to college helps with the social side; you meet other parents in similar situations and make new friends. While there are challenges, there is so much support and guidance to help you along the way."

Next steps into healthcare

With their Level 3 qualifications under their belts, both Megan and Saxon are now stepping into the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys.

Megan is heading to the University of Chester to begin an integrated Master's degree in Adult and Mental Health Nursing. Saxon is taking a gap year while working on additional science qualifications, with the ultimate goal of applying for medicine.

Reflecting on her time at Coleg Llandrillo, Megan offers encouraging advice to anyone considering further education:

"Every course in college leads to different opportunities, whether you go to university, go straight into work, or just use the time to figure out what you want to do. Whatever path you take helps build your future and your children's future."

Are you currently thinking about your next steps? Whether you are leaving school or looking for a career change, it’s not too late to start your story with us this September. Head over to our website and find out more about the range of courses available across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/course-...