From cleaning business to counselling: ‘It’s never too late to follow your dreams’
Single mum-of-two Katarzyna Bernal returned to education after more than 20 years to follow her dream of becoming a therapist and found a community that gave her the confidence to succeed.
When Katarzyna Bernal’s two sons became more independent, aged 14 and 10, she decided it was finally time to pursue a lifelong dream. The single mum, who runs her own cleaning company, enrolled on Birkbeck’s Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling and Counselling Skills – taking her first step toward becoming a qualified therapist.
“I’ve always wanted to study psychotherapy but it didn’t happen for me when I was younger,” Katarzyna said. “When my boys grew up a little, I finally had more time for myself. I thought – maybe this is my chance.”
Originally from Poland, Katarzyna came to the UK 20 years ago and built a business while raising her children. Returning to study was daunting at first, but she says she was put at ease from the moment she first walked into Birkbeck. She said: “At the open day, the academics answered every question so patiently and made me feel welcome and supported. After applying, I also found out that some of my clients were fulfilling their dreams at Birkbeck. They were particularly encouraging.”
Katarzyna described her year’s course as an “awesome experience” made all the better by the encouragement and support of her tutor and classmates. “I was nervous about my English, but everyone – the tutors and other students – was so kind,” she said. “I learned so much about critical thinking, listening and understanding others – and about myself.”
Evening study allowed her to fit classes around work and family life and when she received her final results, Katarzyna says her sons were her biggest cheerleaders. “They were so proud of me,” she said. “My youngest would come and hug me while I was studying and say, ‘Mummy, you’re doing so well!’ My oldest was my little patient IT problem solver — always helping when the computer didn’t cooperate. I’m happy they could see that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. It was a challenge but it was so worth it. I proved to myself that I could do it.”
Now that she has completed her Certificate, Katarzyna plans to continue her studies at Birkbeck next year in psychodynamic counselling, with the aim of qualifying as a therapist. She said: “I love listening and supporting others – even in my cleaning business, I don’t just clean; I help clients declutter and restore a sense of calm and order in their homes. Now I’m thinking of the future and want to make that career change.”
Katarzyna hopes her story encourages others to take that first step towards study, whatever their background. “Don’t be afraid,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if your English isn’t perfect or if you think you’re too old. Just apply. When you take one step, new doors open.”