From A Levels back in 2009, alumna India Jefferson-Grant has shown what is possible with hard work and dedication as she speaks about her journey towards becoming a Mental Health Lawyer.
Nine years ago, India took on Law, English Literature and History A Levels and quickly realised her passion lay with the law as she excelled with every exam she took.
“I got full marks in all but one of my A Level Law exams which made me believe this was the career for me,” she said.
“I thought the teaching at Havant was fantastic and there is no way I could have achieved an A* and two As at A Level if it was not for the teaching being so good. It stood me in good stead for my future and the position I am now in.”
At the Havant Campus of HSDC, all our subjects are taught by dedicated and experienced lecturers who are experts in their field. We provide you with more teaching time per week, per A Level subject, than other local colleges so you’ll have even more invaluable time with your lecturers.
As well as the teaching, India loved the easy transition between school and College. She said: “I loved the way Havant College worked with the same lunch times – it wasn’t completely different from school which I liked as it was not a difficult transition. I made fantastic friends who remain some of my best friends today.”
India continued her success as she went on to study a degree in Law at Queen Mary University of London before becoming a qualified Mental Health Lawyer at Swain & Co Solicitors in Havant.
She said: “I now represent mental health patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 in psychiatric hospitals as well as in the community.
“On a daily basis I provide my clients with legal advice relating to their detention and I represent them in Mental Health Tribunal hearings, as well as supporting them in other meetings where their progress and concerns are considered.”
And India has some invaluable advice to future A Level students deciding on a career path.
“Follow a path you think you will genuinely enjoy and you will succeed on that path,” she advised. “Many people go into law just because they think it is a ‘good’ career. It is a good career, but it is also incredibly difficult, and you MUST enjoy it to succeed in it.”
In September, HSDC will be opening Hampshire’s new A Level centre of Excellence at our Havant Campus. The high standard of teaching that India has spoken about can be found at our A Level-focused centre, where you can find your own success story.