Scott admits that when he started College he had very little self-confidence and was unsure what he wanted to do. He came to a late enrolment event and signed up for a painting and decorating course to start the next week.
“The course was a way to get some structure back in my life,” he said. “My tutor was brilliant. He had time for me and helped me through some personal problems that I was going through at the time.
“I liked college because it wasn’t at all like school. It gave me a new sense of independence and I was treated like an adult.”
The next year Scott enrolled on a business course at Newark College. He said; “I thought I’d feel out of place but I did really well and my confidence improved.
“I used to dread giving presentations and would hide at the back and wait to go last. My tutor helped me work on my presentation skills and by the time I started university I felt much happier talking publicly and would put my hand up to go first.”
Scott was the first member of his family to go to University and this summer he graduated from De Montford University with a 2:1 In Business Management. He is now going on to work as an Assistant Manager for a charity shop in Leicester.
His advice to students is: “There are lots of opportunities to take on extra projects while you’re at College, so go out there, get work experience and volunteer where you can.” To anyone looking to get back into education, he says: “Talk to the College and find out how they can help you. If you don’t ask you’ll never know if there is a course for you.”
Find out more about college life and the courses available at Newark College at the next Open Day on Tuesday 15th October from 4-7pm. Further information is available here:
