GCU student balances her studies with being a key worker and parent

A GCU student has been balancing her coursework alongside being a carer and mother during the COVID-19 outbreak.

First year Social Sciences student Amanda Goudie explained that she has had to increase her workload since the outbreak, switching to longer shifts to help with the demand that the outbreak has created. As well as this, Amanda has to continue with her coursework whilst looking after her family at home.

She said: “I’m a mature student studying Social Sciences, a line parent and a care worker.

I’ve have been in this role for almost four years, currently supporting adults with schizophrenia. Since the beginning of the first academic semester, I have only done one or two shifts a week, which works around my studies. At the moment however due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I am now doing five shifts a week including 24-hour shifts that I finish then go to see someone else.

 Due to lockdown, those I support are now limited in activity, as we all are. This is causing some confusion as daily routines that are worked hard to achieve no longer exist. For me, this can be mentally exhausting.

We have to offer continual reassurance and explain the situation numerous times every day. As well as having coursework to complete I feel completely overwhelmed.

When I’m at home I’m so tired I can hardly see straight sometimes. I also still have to be mum and deal with the domestic work at home.

It’s not an easy time for anyone right now, but I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can help so many people.”

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media here