This is Hayley's story:

"I decided I wanted to go to university and study history after researching my own family tree. I was keen to learn more about historical people's lives, while honing my research skills and hopefully gaining a qualification that would potentially open doors for me career-wise.

For me, the most valuable thing about going to university was the confidence boost it gave me. I have suffered with depression and anxiety for many years, and I enrolled with the understanding that, if I felt I couldn't do it, I would be able to walk away from it.

What actually happened was completely the opposite, and with every assignment I passed, I began to believe that I was capable of more. I went into my course expecting to quit ... I came out with First Class Honours, and also have a Master’s too.

Professionally speaking, I am not yet working in a field related to my degree due to family commitments. However, I have drafted a PhD proposal which has been well received by the academics I have approached, and I will hopefully be undertaking this qualification in the foreseeable future.

Going to university has done wonders for my self-esteem, and I have progressed from doubtful and disbelieving to confident and assured of my own abilities. 

I would advise anyone to go to university. Even if you don't come out of it with a career in your chosen field, the skills you learn at university are applicable to any number of jobs. And like me, it could do wonders for your own self-worth and confidence, attributes which are also valuable to potential employers, as well as yourself."

"Going to university has done wonders for my self-esteem, and I have progressed from doubtful and disbelieving to confident and assured of my own abilities."