Clearing 2021: Disruption of the pandemic spurred me on to study
Fri 13 August, 2021![Article Header Image](/media/babcw5gx/clearing-mariah-banton-cropped.jpg?rxy=0.4982051838888108,0.5366459627329192&width=1036&height=583)
A first year University of Bedfordshire student has explained how the Clearing process allowed her to make a last-minute decision to follow a childhood dream.
With the University’s ‘Defy Expectations’ campaign comes a reassurance to all those considering university as an option: you can do it. Whether you’re waiting for exam results or you’re considering a change of career, Beds can offer the skills and support to help you on your journey.
Student Mariah Banton decided to apply after the pandemic impacted her career in the fitness industry. She said: “I saw that the NHS was giving out bursary funds for certain courses and Physiotherapy was one of them, which also influenced my decision. I decided to contact the University first before I applied just to be sure – I also only wanted to go to a university close to home. There was no way I was living far from home in a pandemic!”
About her Clearing experience, she added: “The Clearing process was very similar to the normal process of applying for courses. I think if anything, it was faster because the course was starting so soon.”
Mariah explains how the Covid-19 pandemic made her realise that Physiotherapy – something she dreamed of going into as a teenager – was still an option. Clearing and the University of Bedfordshire made that option a reality.
Read her story below…
My name is Mariah Banton, I am 23 years old and from Letchworth, Hertfordshire. I am a first year BSc Physiotherapy student.
I applied through Clearing because going to university was a last minute decision and I thought to myself, “If I don't get in it's obviously not supposed to be.” I was working at Nuffield Health as a personal trainer but due to furlough and gym closures, I was rather enjoying the time off during the first lockdown. However, the thought of going back to work and having to build up my client base from scratch was filling me with dread; I was also questioning if personal training would even pick up because of the pandemic, due to personal training being seen as a luxury. I decided I wanted a more stable career that would even carry on during a pandemic.
I saw that the NHS was giving out NHS bursary funds for certain courses and physiotherapy was one of them. This also influenced my decision. The Clearing process was very similar to the normal process of applying for courses. I think if anything, it was faster because the course was starting so soon. I decided to contact the universities first before I applied just to be sure. I didn't want to pay the UCAS fee and have no chance of getting in. I also only wanted to go to a university close to home; there was no way I was living far from home in a pandemic.
I was inspired to be a physiotherapist from the age of 15, as I used one myself when I competed in athletics. However, I was told by my physiotherapist that people needed to be really clever and be good at science to study Physiotherapy – and as I struggled with science at school, I gave up the dream of being a physiotherapist. After years of being a personal trainer and working with many different kinds of medical conditions, I came to a place where I had the confidence to believe that I could pass a university degree. My time off work during the pandemic definitely gave me plenty of time to think about my future and what I wanted.
After I graduate I hope to set up my own practice incorporating physiotherapy and personal training. I hope to travel with my degree and help people in countries that don't have the luxury of the NHS. I just want to help people live a life that is free of limitation. I want to educate people on the importance of exercise and movement. Physiotherapy will give me all the knowledge I need to convey this message.
If, like Mariah, you have made a late call in wanting to come to the University of Bedfordshire, then pick up the phone and dial the University’s Clearing hotline.
The University of Bedfordshire’s Clearing team is on hand to discuss courses, funding, accommodation, student support and any queries about Beds’ different campuses. Give the Clearing Hotline a call today on 0300 3300 073 or apply online 24/7.
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