Sometimes the best stories come from the people who never thought they'd get the chance to write one. That's exactly the case for Sharnnah, one of our students based in Adelaide, South Australia, who went from young stay-at-home mum to Master Herbalist, all while fitting her studies around a life that didn't leave much room for anything extra.
We got the chance to ask Sharnnah about her journey, and what she shared is the kind of thing that reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
Finding Centre of Excellence at the Right Moment
Sharnnah's path to Centre of Excellence started a few years back, while she was living in the UK. "I was living in the UK 5 years ago, where I met a friend who was studying through Centre of Excellence," she told us. It was around the time of Covid, and like a lot of people, she was looking for a way to grow and learn something new. But she wasn't just anyone looking to fill some time. She was a young mother, at home with her children, with very little flexibility in her day.
"I wanted to upskill especially after being a stay-at-home mother who was very young," she said. "This was the most accessible way to learn and study. As a mother who hasn't got time to attend classes, this fits into my schedule where I can study when I want, when I am able to, with no time frames and deadlines."
That's the bit that really stands out. Not everyone can commit to a set class time, week after week, especially when you're raising a family. Being able to pick up a course when the moment allows, whether that's during nap time or after everyone's in bed, made all the difference for Sharnnah.
"The course is filled with information," she added, "and I genuinely enjoy learning."
Proving Something to Herself
Since then, Sharnnah has completed her Master Herbalist Diploma and is now working through both her Homoeopathy Diploma and her Breathwork Diploma. When we asked what she's enjoyed most about the whole experience, her answer had nothing to do with grades or certificates.
"Proving to myself that I am able to challenge myself and learn new things," she said. "Actually chase my dreams and upskill. As a young mother and someone who left school very early, I'm proving to myself that it's never too late to learn something new."
That's really the heart of it, isn't it? Learning isn't just about the certification at the end. It's about what it does for your sense of what's possible.
Studying That Actually Fits Real Life
We asked Sharnnah how studying with us has helped her, personally or professionally, and her answer came down to something simple but genuinely important: it worked with her life, not against it.
"With the ability to be able to study at my own pace, it has made it possible," she explained. "The way they have laid out their courses suits a busy lifestyle. They make it accessible and explain everything in depth. I can't recommend it enough."
Her Advice to Anyone on the Fence
Finally, we asked Sharnnah what she'd say to someone thinking about starting an online course but not quite sure whether now's the time. Her answer didn't leave much room for hesitation.
"Do it. Don't wait for the right time because it might not ever come. Just do it. Commit to yourself because you deserve it."
Honestly, we couldn't have said it better ourselves.
Ready to Start Your Own Story?
Stories like Sharnnah's are exactly why we started Centre of Excellence in the first place. We believe education should fit around your life, not the other way round, and we love seeing what happens when people give themselves the chance to learn something new.
If Sharnnah's journey into herbalism has sparked something for you, our Master Herbalist Diploma Course is available now for just £29, a fraction of its usual price. And if herbalism isn't quite your thing, that's fine too. We've got hundreds of other courses covering everything from business and history to hobbies, wellbeing, and even the supernatural, so there's a good chance something on our list will catch your eye.
Here's why so many people choose to learn with us:
- Affordability – our courses are priced to be genuinely accessible, often far more cost-effective than other online learning options.
- Flexible Timing – there are no deadlines or fixed schedules, so you can study whenever it suits your life.
- Diverse Range of Subjects – from history and business to hobbies, crafts, and even the supernatural, there's something for almost every interest.
- Comprehensive Support and Guidance – you'll be paired with a personal tutor and get access to our Facebook Study Group, a community of learners cheering each other on.
Don't wait for the perfect moment. As Sharnnah put it best: commit to yourself, because you deserve it.
