Graduation Tales | “Working in care is so rewarding, I don’t think of it as work”

The International Convention Centre Wales in Newport has once again seen thousands of our graduates cross the stage in their cap and gown. To celebrate, we are sharing the stories of some of our inspirational students.

James McFarlane, 35, is graduating this week from University of South Wales (USW) with BSc (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Management.

Before he started University, James was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, which was highlighted when he was promoted to a new role. He said: “I was working for the Cardiff Council covering maternity leave as a Community Engagement Officer, which involved working with 15 clients simultaneously. I was liaising with families, teams, and managing different schedules.

“It got to the point where I couldn’t switch off from work. All I could think about was what I had to do in work the next day and it was impacting my life so much that I had a panic attack. I spoke to my manager and was referred to occupational health.

“Having that diagnosis made me understand myself better. For example, I have always been one to avoid large crowds and prefer quieter surroundings and now I know why.”

James worked in hotel management before he decided to have a change in career. When he started working in care, he found it rewarding and wanted to progress by gaining some qualifications in the field.

He said: “I loved working with people. It felt like I was helping them. Most of the jobs I have had I just felt like I was there to please people rather than help people. Working in care is so rewarding that I don’t think of it as work. I really enjoy seeing the positive impact we can have on people’s lives.

“I did the Foundation Year in Health and Wellbeing and then applied to do the degree.”

_{Graduate James McFarlane stood in front of the big red dragon outside Newport's ICC}

Even though James’ anxiety posed challenges during his degree, he used some mindfulness and grounding techniques, and he completed all his assignments. “One to one, I am confident,” he said.

“But when I have to talk in front of a group, my mind switches off and I start shaking like a leaf. I don’t like lots of people looking at me. When we had to give presentations during my course, I found it very hard. It was the most difficult part for me.”

James was also diagnosed with dyslexia whilst at USW.

He said: “All my life, I felt like I must be lazy because my father was a big reader. He loved authors like Stephen King and I would be jealous because when I read the same books, I just felt like I was reading words and not reading a story.

“I thought there might be something wrong with me, but I never opened up about it. Then when I went to USW, I was trying to learn from textbooks and I was really struggling. If I am shown a practical demonstration, I can remember it but, when I read something, I can’t retain that information.

“I decided I needed to talk to someone about it so I contacted USW’s Student Services.”

Now, James works with in private care with patients with brain injuries, which he loves.

“We have clients who have acquired a brain injury from an accident, so we work with them on day-to-day tasks, we do activities, and we take them out. It is great to see them enjoying themselves after going through such a life-changing ordeal.

“I am looking forward to celebrating graduation and I am considering further study, but it will definitely be in health and social care. I can see myself doing this job for life.”