7 years ago, Emily took a step that changed her life...

Emily's journey from student to teacher

After successfully completing her Foundation Diploma, Emily progressed to the HNC and HND in Art & Design before moving on to the University of Chester, where she achieved a First Class degree in Fine Art. Determined to inspire the next generation, she then completed a PGCE in Design and Technology and is now nearing the end of her Early Career Teacher programme.

Today, Emily teaches Textiles, Graphics, and Product Design at St Nicholas Catholic High School. Just two years into her teaching career at the school, she has already helped increase participation numbers in Product Design, particularly among female students, and is passionate about encouraging young people to recognise their own potential. 

Emily believes her time at the college prepared her well for both university and employment. She describes her education as being about much more than achieving qualifications; it was about developing confidence, resilience, and a belief in what was possible. Those lessons continue to influence her teaching, where she encourages students to see their qualifications as a stepping stone to future opportunities rather than an end goal. This directly speaks the college’s Careers not Courses mantra.

Pictured above: Emily at our End of Year Art Exhibition, alongside some of her pieces, back in 2023.

Emily highly recommends the college to other adult students

One of the reasons Emily enthusiastically recommends Warrington & Vale Royal College to adult students is the level of support available. From financial assistance and childcare funding to pastoral support and enrichment opportunities, she feels the college helped remove barriers to learning that might otherwise have prevented her from pursuing higher education. A trip to Berlin during her Foundation course remains a particularly memorable experience and one she believes she would never have seen without such support. 

Emily also speaks warmly about the encouragement she received from her tutors, Ben Brady, Huw Phillips, and Becky Rogers, whose guidance helped her continue progressing throughout her studies. Becky has since moved on to pastures new, but her impact remains. Combined with the wider support network at the college, their belief in Emily helped change the direction of her life.

Reflecting on her recent visit to the college, Emily describes it as a full-circle moment. The person who first walked through the doors seven years ago is very different from the confident teacher she is today. Her proudest achievements include graduating with distinction grades, earning a First Class degree, and qualifying as a teacher. But, most importantly, sharing those milestones with her daughters, who have witnessed her hard work first-hand and proudly watched her graduate. 

It's never too late to learn

Now firmly established in a career she loves, Emily's future plans centre on continuing to grow as an educator and making a positive difference to the students she teaches each day. She says: “Growth is uncomfortable. Every step outside of my comfort zone felt difficult, but with each step I became closer to the person I was meant to be. The support I received at the college was instrumental in that journey. The funding opportunities, the guidance, the encouragement to take the next step... it all helped to change the trajectory of my life.” 

She continued: “Every day, I have the privilege of supporting young people who may not yet recognise their own potential. If I can help just one person believe in themselves in the way others believed in me, then I know I am making a difference. As an alumna, the message I want to share is simple: it is never too late. You do not need to see the whole path ahead. You just need the courage to take the next step.” 

Emily's story is a powerful example of how the right support and determination can open doors to opportunities that once seemed impossible.