Clearing: a second chance

Fired by her experiences, she decided she wanted to dedicate her career to fighting for change in the criminal justice system. She said, 

The injustice was palpable and sparked a deep desire to understand and influence systemic change. This personal connection drove my academic pursuits and continues to inspire my professional goals."

But there was a major barrier to her dream of studying criminology. Unfairly labelled an underachiever at school, she found she lacked the grades to enter university. Fortunately, one of her teachers encouraged her, and with his guidance, she applied through clearing for a foundation course in Applied Criminology at the University of East London.

For two years she immersed herself in her studies, supported, she said, “by dedicated tutors and lecturers who fueled my passion and supported me throughout.” After successfully completing the foundation course, she progressed onto the University’s BA course in Criminology and Criminal Justice, graduating with a 2:1. 

The two courses opened up opportunities for her across the criminal justice sector. “The work experience gained during the foundation degree in youth groups opened doors for me,” she said, “allowing me to work as a family liaison officer in prisons, probation services, and the youth offending team. Without the foundation degree, my entry into the criminal justice system would not have been possible. After graduating I could work in so many different fields and I tried them all. I have experience in the probation service, prison service, and youth offending team, among others.”

More than a decade after she graduated in 2012, Pariss now runs her own business, Journal to Dreams. She’s still helping young people at risk of offending, providing wellbeing support and emotional intelligence workshops to families. She’s helped thousands of young people over the years, and she’s adamant that entering clearing was one of the key reasons she has had a successful career. She said, “Having the ability to find a course through clearing that aligned with my career path felt like a second chance in life to do something that I really wanted to do in a field I felt passionate about. I’m really grateful to UEL for the opportunity.”

So what advice would she give to anyone contemplating following a similar path? “Clearing provides that second chance to venture onto a pathway that could ultimately change your life and change others in the process. I would love to be the face of someone who went through clearing on a foundation degree, progressed onto a BA, and graduated with a 2:1 because I want others to know that the unconventional route offered me a plethora of experience along the way. If you’re wondering if you should go for that clearing course, this is your sign.”