A BIT ABOUT ME

My name is Tanya, I'm forty six and have three children, aged twenty-one, twenty-three and twenty-five.

I began studying law at the Open University over a period of two years to obtain a qualification equivalent to an ‘A level’. I then applied to Greenwich University full time to studying law.

My goal was never to become a solicitor, but to use my knowledge helping others struggling with the benefit system, stuck in a housing rut, caught up in the NHS mental health loop, cannot access legal aid or advice due to extremely long waiting lists or funding cuts. For an income, I had planned to travel the to China and teach English. I achieved a TEFL qualification, which alongside a degree, can be used to Teach English to Foreign Students. The pay is very good with little to pay out and my youngest child would be twenty by the time I had qualified. This was my dream, this was my goal.

I started university in the foundation year, to be followed by year one, two and three. The foundation year was very challenging, not only having been away from education for over twenty years, but also the social side being a mature student. I fought my fears and often referred back to my dream. Manifesting works, but you still have to put a lot of work in yourself. I settled in well and got chatting to students who were confident within themselves and what we were about to face. We had to produce a presentation to the class, my nerves were shattered, almost enough to quit there and then. Till that voice said ‘lets go to the student bar and settle our nerves’. I’m not a drinker, so three shots really wasn’t then way to go, but it definitely calmed my nerves.

Six essays and four exams in the first year. Not sure what I hated the most. Every essay over the years were always written with tears and tantrums, and to my shock, I passed every one with a 2:2 or a 2:1.

I met Kevin around the end of April 2022. My exams were due the end of May. I was unprepared and the trolling and hate I had received in that month had affected my mental health immensely.

I was able to apply for extenuating circumstances, meaning I could sit the exams at the end of June. I only needed to achieve a minimum of 40% to have ended the year with a 2:1 grade.

Sadly, over time, things didnt get better, they got worse. My mental health reached an all time low. I hit the first point in my journey where I felt suicidal but wanted saving.

I was now at my first point of weakness. So many different things being told to me. The trolling, the fake friends, the lies, confusion. I just wanted Kevin to hold me and tell me, everything will be alright….