A young woman who has suffered from low self-esteem has been recognised for transforming her life for the better through adult learning. 

Emily Everitt from Harrow was announced as the Festival of Learning’s Highly Commended Young Adult Learner in their 2018 awards, on June 12. 

The 25-year-old was commended by the Festival for her “exceptional achievements” in adult education, and for turning her life around. 

The Festival is led by independent policy and research organisation, Learning and Work Institute.

Emily did not enjoy school and left with few qualifications. After an eight-year break she returned to education to find a career.

In early life, Emily faced a string of difficult family situations which left her with low self-esteem and no self-belief. She found work in retail progressing quickly to management but felt unfulfilled. 

Emily enrolled on an Access to Higher Education course at City Lit College in hopes of going to university. She enjoyed the mixed-aged classes and found the positive group atmosphere changed her view of education. 

She eventually went on to study History at University College London.

Since then she has developed a love for reading, museums, history and psychotherapy.

She said: “I want to train as a psychotherapist and use my life experiences to help others in similar situations. 

“Without adult learning, I am not sure I would have ever known what my dream career was or have the self-belief to get there.” 

Emily’s Access to HE History tutor, Carmel Elwell, said: “Emily’s learning on the Access course helped her to develop her academic ability and her confidence that she will be able to pursue her career choices.”

Stephen Evans, chief executive at Learning and Work Institute, said: “Emily’s experience of school will be familiar to many. However, Emily has demonstrated that learning as an adult can have a transformative effect on mental health, bringing new passions to the fore. We congratulate Emily on her resilience which has resulted in a place at university and a chance to have her dream career.”