Just 24 hours after applying for my Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, I received an email from Student Finance. My first thought was, “Here we go, more paperwork, more proof of who I am, or maybe even a rejection. Was my dream of graduating again about to end before it even began?”

Still, curiosity got the better of me. I logged into my Student Finance account and found a PDF waiting for me. My heart raced as I opened it. Inside was an acceptance letter for my student loan. Wait, what? They said YES! Flipping heck! That was quick! It had to be the quickest reply in the history of my education. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting good news at all.

You see, I have mild dyslexia. I left school at 15 with no formal qualifications and no idea where my life was headed. By 17, I had dropped out of college, bounced between jobs I couldn’t hold down, and discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, Emily. When I turned 19, her brother Jordan joined our little family. Having two young children changed everything. My father’s Catholic Irish work ethic echoed in my mind: “You have a family now! You need to work hard to feed them.” That lesson stuck with me, and I decided to work hard at whatever I did.

By 22, I had been promoted four times in my Quality Control role, and at 24, I left to start my own childcare business. Dyslexia never held me back; it became my superpower. I see the world differently, especially in business, where I can anticipate trends years in advance and pivot when needed. That unique perspective has been one of my greatest strengths. In 2017, when my youngest turned 18, I finally faced what I’d avoided for so long: my education.

Fear of my dyslexia had held me back, not a lack of desire. The idea of writing essays terrified me, especially not knowing where to put commas or full stops. My grammar was… well, let’s just say it needed work! But I pushed through that fear and enrolled in a part-time degree in psychology and criminology. In 2023, after six years, I graduated with honours. I wore my gown, crossed the stage, and celebrated a moment I once thought was impossible.

I was the first in my family to earn a degree. I DID IT! Just before graduation, the Early Years department at East Riding Council, with whom I’d partnered through my childcare business, told me about an opportunity at New Pasture Lane Community Centre. I embraced it with open arms, and if you know, you know how much NPLCC means to this community and me. After a three-year break from studying, I knew it was time to return to university and pursue my Master’s. This journey will give me the knowledge I need to help our charity grow and to see our 14-year plan come to life. Last year, we supported over 8,000 people who walked through our doors. Every story, every person, is a reminder that growth, change, and impact are possible, no matter your starting point.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from my story, it’s this: No matter where you start or what challenges you face, be it dyslexia, surviving domestic violence, a rough beginning, or doubts about your abilities, you can achieve your dreams.

The road isn’t always smooth, but your journey matters. If I can do it, so can you!

Your story is still being written. Believe in yourself, take that step, and keep moving forward.

You’ve got this!

Kate x

Mrs Katy Batten BA (Hons)( Pronouns: She/Her), International Best Selling Author and Admin Management of New Pasture Lane Community Centre, Registered Charity No 700422.

DISCLAIMER: These blog posts are in no way, shape, or form to provide any professional advice and are for entertainment purposes only. The author/s take no personal responsibility or liability for any person/s who chooses to use the methods in their own lives.