DCG Success Stories

Having to study for exams while home-schooling her children during the pandemic, hasn’t stopped Derby College accounting student Diana Ragauskiene doing well.

Diana, who came to Britain from Lithuania in 2011, got a 98% pass mark in three of her AAT level 3 exam papers.

A former sales assistant, she is committed to learning, and, since arriving in Derby with hardly any English, has gained qualifications in maths, English and computing as well as in accounting.

She said: “I’d like a job here when my children are older and are able to take themselves to school. Maths wasn’t my favourite subject at school but I’ve always liked numbers so I decided to enrol on the Foundation Certificate in AAT Accounting, Level 2 at Derby College.

I’m now on the AAT Level 3 diploma and taking my exams.”

What Diana likes most about her AAT level 3 course is that she’s learning new things.

She added: “We’re learning a bit of everything. I don’t know what area of accounting I’d like to go into, but my dream job is to work in an office, possibly as an accounts assistant and then work my way up to an accountant’s job.

It depends on what’s available when I finish college.

I’m going to take the level 4 AAT course next year then look for a job once I’ve done that.”

And it’s not just Diana who has put in the hours during lockdown. Her children, who are 10 and 12, have been studying hard too and are fortunate to have their mum’s talent for numbers.

Diana added: ““Both children are good at maths – in fact, they are good at everything. I’m strict with them and make sure they do their schoolwork and always do their best.”