I am a passionate educator, currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Academic Development and Inclusive Learning at the University of Central Lancashire. I believe strongly that everyone who has the desire and potential to succeed in higher education should have the equal opportunity and support to do so, regardless of their background. It's this belief that underpins my enthusiasm for my work as a 'teacher of teachers' in HE. Education brought about huge changes in my life and my commitment to my work is clearly influenced by my ‘widening participation’ background.I left school at 16, was married at 18 and had three children by the time I was 25. Over the years I've had a variety of jobs including: hairdresser’s junior, typist, nursery nurse assistant and stained glass artist. When I finally returned to education, I was the first in our family to go to university.As my children grew up I began looking for new challenges and was persuaded by a friend (a college tutor) to apply for university. In 1997 I arrived at UCLan as a very mature (and scared!) undergraduate - made to feel even more mature by starting at the same time as my son - though we chose different disciplines - I studied English Literature, while he went into Computing.I enjoyed learning so much that I went on to do an MA by research, a full-time PGCert in Further and Higher Education and, finally, a PhD. I am a published academic and have worked as a lecturer in Literature & American Studies, as well as in Teaching and Learning and Peer-Assisted Learning. I recently spent 2 years as Acting Head of Student Support & Wellbeing at UCLan and also have extensive experience of working with students as partners in Peer Assisted Learning projects. Many of my roles have involved working across the whole of the institution with all the Academic Disciplines and Support Services, which has given me a very varied range of experience.