On a late Thursday evening, after a long day, this email landed in my inbox. I paused. Should I read it now or leave it until tomorrow? With some hesitation, I decided to open it.
What I read was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
Supporting our learners, inspiring them to succeed, and making a genuine impact on their journey is at the heart of everything we stand for. Moments like this reinforce the value of our work and the difference we make every day.
Below is Cassandra’s message, shared in her own words. We hope her story inspires our learners and the wider community.
“Dear Chris and Nasir,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to provide feedback on my Level 5 assessor, Stacey Wallace. Stacey has been my assessor for approximately two and a half years, and during this time, she has provided continuous support as I navigated the Level 5 Leadership and Management Diploma.
There were times when I struggled to complete my tasks on time due to personal and professional constraints, but Stacey’s approach was always understanding and supportive. Naturally, there were occasions where she needed to be firm to keep me on track, but one thing that remained consistent throughout was her encouragement and belief in me, even during times when I did not believe in myself.
During the preparation for my EPA, I experienced a change in my employment. Despite this, Stacey continued to touch base with me and even met with me in the evenings to support my revision. These sessions were beyond her expected working hours, and they demonstrated her dedication to investing in her learners and going the extra mile, which made a significant difference to my confidence.
My first EPA exam, the written paper, took place on 5th December. I was particularly nervous as I am not confident under exam conditions, but Stacey guided me through the process and helped put my mind at ease. My second exam, the interview, was on 7th December. A few weeks later, I received the results via email that I had failed the interview exam. Stacey called me that same evening to provide emotional support and informed me that I had only failed one section. This phone call was incredibly reassuring and helped restore my confidence. Stacey also informed me that she had spoken with her manager, who had agreed to fund my resit, something I will be forever grateful for.
A new revision date was set for the new year, and Stacey supported me with a final revision session before the exam. During this session, she acknowledged my distinction in the written paper and provided guidance on improving my performance in the commissioning cycle section. She helped me apply examples from my own practice, which boosted my confidence. I was determined to succeed not only for myself but also for Stacey, who had always believed in me and Chris who had agreed to fund the resit.
On 28th January, Stacey called to inform me that I had passed the EPA. It was a moment of immense pride, not only for myself but also for Stacey, who had always believed this day would come.
I felt it was important to send this feedback, as I truly would not have reached this milestone without Stacey’s support. I know I may have been challenging at times, but her unwavering patience, encouragement, and dedication have been instrumental in me completing the diploma. Stacey is exceptional, and while I am delighted to have completed my qualification, I will genuinely miss her guidance and support.
Thank you for taking the time to read this feedback. Stacey truly deserves recognition for the incredible impact she has on her learners.
Kind Regards,
Cassandra Ebanks”