It was celebration time for South Devon College as the achievements of its University Centre students were recognised at a joint graduation ceremony held at Torquay’s Grand Hotel.
“It’s really exciting that we have all graduated on the same day,” said Emma, who decided to study for a degree after taking redundancy in lockdown “We had a celebration breakfast with our daughters.”
Reflecting on the last few years dad Gary said that it was challenging at times. “It was hard working and studying at the same time and during lockdown it was difficult, learning Teams, like everyone else and everyone was at home studying on their computers. But it’s been worth it, it’s all paid off and we all have a bright future.”
She said: “Finally we’re here, we all wouldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of those sat around us. The ray of hope you feel when you know the Higher education team is at hand to support and guide you when you need it. The wellbeing team for emotional support and sob stories we had to tell. Or the ladies who worked in the cafeteria who always had a big smile on their face. Or the people in the offices who may have helped with student finance and various forms.
"But most of all thank you to all the tutors for the dedication and time you put into your lessons. To present us with top quality information for our modules. As well as challenging us with the various questions we may have asked.”
Olivia is now working as a counsellor in Torbay and said that her studies at University Centre South Devon opened up so many doors for her.
Becky was nominated by Lisa Rogers who said Becky is an outstanding ambassador for the sector and the Working with Children and Young People programme.
James Heseltine-Carr was awarded The University of Plymouth’s Academic Partnerships prize for overcoming numerous barriers to education and not allowing this to be an excuse in regard to his attainment.
James was nominated by Ben Roper who said he’d shown significant resilience to attain a 2:1. A grade they never thought possible when he started.
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He said: "You may find your studies and experiences will take you in many different directions including some you might not even have thought about. Wherever you go, I am confident you will create a bright future for yourselves with the combination of your talent, bright ideas, hard work, enthusiasm, positive approach, and openness to new opportunities.
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