The Transformative Power of Personal Growth

Have you ever paused and really looked at the world around you, sometimes we are so focused on our daily to do lists that we don’t take time to notice the rapidly changing world around us.

Our own personal growth and development can be the same. I invite you to come and explore the numerous exciting benefits of our own personal growth and the invaluable role of curiosity to learning, not only to ourselves but to those who we are supporting and inspiring to have hope, opportunities and belief in personal control and self-advocacy.

I never imagined my own journey would lead me to my current role as a curriculum and quality developer, I was always the one that would not fit in the box. In the era of my youth, it was still stereotypical that girls did office skills and had a short work life in an office, bank or insurance, you then left to have a family and that was that.

But I had other ideas, I was inspired by a group of carers, and this led me into my first role working with a range of people from birth to end of life, who had profound and complex disabilities. I had found my own aspiration – I wanted to make a difference to lives of others.

I always loved to read and had a natural curiosity to ask why? what if? And all through my career, which ever role from support worker, Childcare manager, Personal Tutor, it was always that curiosity to learn, which supported me to be able to make the difference. Working at Paragon holds the key values which I have always aspired to, being proactive in treating every learner as an individual and aspiring to support their unique learning journey and future aspirations. In my role now, I am hoping to inspire your journey and spark the curiosity, which will support you to make a difference in the lives of those individuals you are giving hope and inspiration to.

Curiosity is the fuel that ignites personal growth. When we approach life with a curious mindset, we open ourselves to new possibilities, experiences, and knowledge. By inviting curiosity into the learning process, you can develop a deep understanding of your field, broaden your horizons, and constantly adapt to the evolving needs of the individuals you support. Curiosity fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling you to excel in your roles.

I am delighted to be a part of the Peer Worker journey, with Paragon and With-You, working in collaboration. It provides the opportunity, not only to have access to rich resources through the learning journey, but opportunities to engage with your Peers, making connections and new networks.

Personal growth lies at the heart of becoming an exceptional Peer Worker. By embracing curiosity and collaborating with Paragon and With-you, undertaking the Peer Worker apprenticeship standard, you to can unlock your full potential. The journey of personal growth not only benefits yourself but also empowers you to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals. Let us celebrate the transformative power of personal growth and strive to create a future where Peer Workers thrive, empowered by their continuous quest for knowledge and self-improvement.

As for me – What’s my biggest goal now? -Never to lose the curiosity to want to know more about the changing world around me and I invite you to join this exciting journey of continuous self-discovery and growth.

Guest blog by Ann Quigley, Paragon Skills – Curriculum and Quality Developer.

You can view more information about our Peer Worker apprenticeship here