Mellissa's student profile

• Fee status: Home
• Further Education qualifications: NVQ
• Entry method: Firm
• Accommodation: Commuted all years

Other information: I came to Kingston straight from employment. As part of my course I undertake placements for 7 weeks each semester. I am a Kingston University student ambassador.

I chose Kingston because... of several reasons, one of which was the level of support that is given to students, recognising that some mature students have not been in full-time education for a long time. It was also one of the top universities in London which is very good. The University also encourages their students as far as reasonably practicable so if you fail that's an individual thing and not the fault of the University. Kingston was also easy to get to via public or private transport.

I have got to where I am now.... by believing in me. I was abused as a child and wanted to do something to help young girls that have been through what I have been through. I don't feel any reason not to share my experiences with others for them to learn from it. Growing up in Jamaica, I did not finish high school and had to haggle to make ends meet. When I came to the UK in 2000, I decided to go to college in 2001. I got a job as a bank support worker, and from there I worked my way up to managing a home for adults with learning disabilities. This I did for 2 years. I looked at what I was doing and how I can influence others, and that was when I decided to do mental health nursing.

My plans for the future are... to do 2 years on a ward (which I have to do after my studies) but I want to do some counselling course that will help me to get to where I want to go. My aim is to focus on women with a past that no one wants to work with. I aim to start in the women prisons.