Here at Centre of Excellence, we are always inspired by our amazing students and their unique learning journeys. From the small town of Hessle near Hull, Alex and Sally Smith's story is nothing short of a remarkable journey through personal challenges and the pursuit of knowledge. 

In an incredible journey of resilience and recovery, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) member shares his remarkable story of overcoming severe health challenges. 

After serving nine years in the RAF, his career was cut short due to serious heart problems, specifically atrial fibrillation. In 2010, his condition worsened significantly, leading to a life-threatening situation that required him to rely on a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for 20 months. This device, inserted through his ribs into his heart, was a crucial lifeline, but it came with the constant responsibility of monitoring its battery life to avoid life-threatening consequences.

In 2013, a new chapter began with a heart transplant operation at Royal Papworth Hospital. However, his trials were far from over. Merely five months post-transplant, he suffered a severe accident caused by a collision with a bicycle, resulting in significant head injuries and the loss of half his skull. 

“I lost all my confidence in myself, my mental state. I lost my memory. The only thing I could remember was my full military career. I couldn't remember my two boys, couldn't remember my partner, couldn't remember my family.” - Alex. 

After a two-month induced coma and an extensive recovery period, including the unique process of receiving a custom-made skull from Australia, Alex’s recovery continued. 

The transformative power of education played a pivotal role in Alex's recovery and self-discovery. Engaging in courses, from Norse mythology to criminology and World War histories, helped him rebuild his confidence. His story underscores the importance of continuous learning in overcoming life's hurdles and rediscovering oneself.

“To be able to pass these courses is unreal for me. And to do it in a distinction-level sort of thing, that was fantastic. When I first had my head injury, it took me a while to read a chapter because I'd be questioning every couple of lines. I'd go back and check I'd read it correctly. Whether you get high points on it, you get low points, you're still completing it. Always complete what you start.” - Alex.

Sally Smith embarked on her educational journey with Centre of Excellence with a Norse mythology course, a subject she and Alex were passionate about after their friends hosted a Viking hand-fasting ceremony for them. This initial foray into the past sparked a broader interest in various mythologies and cultures, leading her to explore Greek, Roman, and Japanese history and culture.

A higher-level teaching assistant by profession, Sally leverages her learning to enrich her students' lives, offering them a chance to delve into diverse diplomas ranging from Greek mythology to Roman history. Her dedication to teaching is evident in her plans to take 46 students on an educational trip to Rome and Naples, intertwining real-life experiences with classroom learning.

For Sally, learning is an endless journey, not confined by age or circumstance. She passionately believes that knowledge is never wasted, and her commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sets a powerful example for her pupils. Sally's approach is more than curriculum - it's about encouraging independent learning and nurturing a passion for knowledge beyond the classroom walls.

“No knowledge is ever wasted. Learning is never wasted. It doesn't matter how old you are. And I think by carrying on learning and doing CPD courses, I'm setting a good example to my pupils to say you're never too old to learn. No, this isn't just something that stops when you leave school. Learning is a lifelong thing.” - Sally. 

Both Alex and Sally highlight the value of flexible, accessible learning. The ability to fit education into their busy lives has been crucial for them. The absence of time constraints and lifelong access to course materials have made their educational pursuits feasible and enjoyable.

The Smiths' story is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about the journey of learning itself. It’s about facing challenges head-on, whether struggling with a course or overcoming personal trials. Their experience is a powerful reminder that learning is not just about the result but also about the process and the growth that occurs along the way.

Sally and Alex Smith are living proof that education is a lifelong journey filled with opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity. Their story inspires all who believe in the power of learning, no matter the challenges faced.

Feeling inspired? Enrol in any of our acredited online courses today and begin your transformational educational journey.