Life begins at 40!
01/10/09
Anita Iles has had a busy couple of years. She works as an income recovery officer and has recently become a mum again - to four-month-old George. Amidst this, she achieved Distinction in her CIH Diploma in Higher Education (level 4) and a CIH Achievement Award. Here she shares how it happened.
'I previously worked as a benefit assessor, calculating housing and council tax. I then moved to MHS Homes to work as a welfare benefit advisor and eventually a housing officer.
'In 2006 I became a housing officer for Russet Homes, and then an income recovery officer. My role isn't just about ensuring we collect rent or take enforcement action. It's about promoting social and financial inclusion for all our residents. That's the part I enjoy most - being able to have a positive impact on people's lives, often during difficult times.
'I wasn't planning to study anything but one Friday afternoon at work we had a discussion about housing qualifications. I decided I wanted to be considered for a course and, when my manager came back with details, I found that it started the following Monday!
'With no time to change my mind, I was a little apprehensive to say the least. I hadn't done any studying since my A levels quite a few years previously. So I embarked on a blended-learning course, which meant I spent one day a month at college and the rest of the time supported by tutors online.
'In some respects, this method was great as it didn't impact on work commitments, but it did mean being disciplined and organised. I spent many weekends working on assignments or doing research. Without the support of my family, that wouldn't have been possible.
'There were times, following two close family bereavements and my miscarriage, when it would have been easy to give up. But my fellow students were so supportive, insisting that we would all get through it together - I've made some great friends.
'Finishing the final assignments and sitting the exam were hard, as George had been born. Somehow I managed to study between feeds and nappy changes, when all I really wanted to do was sleep.
'When the results arrived by post, my heart sank - I so hoped to pass. When I opened the envelope, it took a few moments for my mark to sink in - a distinction. I screamed and ran round the room, much to George's bemusement. I phoned everyone I knew to tell them - I was over the moon!
'When I heard about the CIH award, I was really shocked - I hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. I feel honoured and I'm really looking forward to collecting it at the House of Commons in February. I still find it hard to believe - I just did my best.
'Being a member of CIH is something to be proud of. It feels strange being able to use Cert CIH after my name. The weekly magazines and other useful publications are a fantastic way of learning what others are doing. CIH helps shape individuals who, in turn, can help to shape communities.
'When I started my course two years ago, I never imagined I would achieve a distinction, but then I never imagined I be a new mum either! Don't they say 'life begins at 40'!'