article by Roberta, a Tutor from Lesmahagow

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Like to try Something New

Ever feel that someone "up above" is really having a go at you? Well that was me a year or so ago.

I had been quite happy plodding on with my job as a career in a home for the elderly, looking after my kids and generally that was it, so to speak. I didn't really have much contact with people apart from at my work.

Then, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had an accident, hurt my back and found that I could no longer continue in a caring capacity and was therefore in the position of having to think of what else I could do.

I had worked in an office many years before as a Clerical Officer but I knew things had changed a lot within the office environment and I decided that I had to try and learn how to work a computer.   We had been given a computer as a present and the only ones who were even able to turn it on, were the kids.

I decided to enroll on a "Computing for the Terrified" Course which was held in Coalburn through the Community Learning Team. The others who attended were just as bad as me, so we all tended to help one another.

After a couple of months we all passed our exams and were awarded a SVQ in Computing.

I then went on to do a course on the Internet and E-mail in Lesmahagow, which I also enjoyed.

Since then, I have been on an Essential Skills course and I am now able to help people with difficulties in reading, writing etc.

I am also attending Motherwell College where I am doing an HNC in Legal Services.

All this in a couple of years, not too bad for someone who will be fifty on their next birthday!

If I can do it at my age I am sure there's something waiting around the corner for you. Why not make the effort.

Roberta,

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