Childhood Practice student experience: Lynda Bardai

Hear from one of our former students about their experience on the programme.

What were you doing before you started your degree at Moray House?

​​​​​Before starting the course I worked in Early Years. I have been in Early Years for 41 years working as a practitioner.

What was the best thing about your programme? 

The best things were: teaching staff were so knowledgeable and willing to give of their time; and my classmates who have become lifelong friends.

What did you enjoy about your studies? 

Everything really but, in particular, being able to carry out self-directed study and research into topics I was interested in. It was time consuming but really rewarding. That said as a mature student you really need to be disciplined to juggle: home, work, garden, parent, husband etc. I worked part-time so that gave me some spare capacity. The lecturers were really good at extending deadlines when my dad was ill and in hospital.

What are you doing now? 

I am now working at West Lothian College as a Child Care Assessor/Internal Verfier/Trainer

How did your experience at Moray House, University of Edinburgh help you get where you are today? 

My BA in Childhood Practice was a requirement to me securing my job, along with the required industry experience. My degree ordered my thinking thus enabling me to engage with my students to discover their own reflective practice. I really feel I can enthuse the next generation of early years practitioners. Also, I continue with my learning keeping up with developments in early years and I belong to the Edinburgh Froebel Network - this network has been crucial to my practice throughout the years.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying at Moray House?

Go for it! I was 58 when I qualified and now I am passing on my years of knowledge and passion to younger practitioners at the start of their career.

How would you describe your experience in three words?

Challenging, hard work, worthwhile