Lessons learned at university help graduate in the pursuit of success

A University of Wolverhampton graduate returned to campus recently to launch her new book – The Pursuit of Success. 

Chantel Brooks, who studied for a degree in Compulsory Education in the School of Education at the University’s Walsall Campus, graduated in 2012. 

In the book, the author and educator takes readers on a personal journey through her own school and career progression. Aimed at teenagers on the cusp of taking their GCSEs, the book offers invaluable insight and guidance for navigating the many challenges encountered throughout the education journey. 

From the nerve-wracking anticipation of Results Day to the daunting decision of whether university is the right path, Chantel draws on her own experiences to offer honest and relatable advice. But this book is not just about exams and career choices - it also delves into the emotional complexities of being a teenager in today's world. 
 
As someone who has often felt like a square peg in a round hole, Chantel understands the pressures and anxieties that come with trying to fit in while staying true to herself. Throughout the book, she explores different perspectives, including those of students, parents, teachers, employers, and entrepreneurs, offering a well-rounded view of what it takes to succeed in the modern world. 

Chantel started her career in banking but moved into teaching in Further Education and then Secondary Education where she was promoted to Curriculum Leader in 2021. After being made redundant, she started to work at a Birmingham school and became Subject Leader for Business.