Yasmin Spiller

“It has been a very strange year, whilst not having a full college experience. But in some cases its been easier to settle into the next step within our education.”

Isobel Pike

“It was definitely a year that nobody could have predicted. I can’t even remember all that happened it felt like the year went so fast but it also felt like it went on forever. I am definitely not the same person I was before the pandemic. Having so much time to myself allowed me to think more about what I want in life and it made me re-evaluate a lot of things that I used to think were important. It was a crazy year. But I am grateful that I did not lose anyone that I personally knew and the pandemic made me realise how many good things I do have. I learnt a lot about myself over the past year.”

Mercy Parry

The last year has been difficult, as I’m sure it has been for most people. At home learning has had its challenges, not being in a classroom where I can easily ask the teacher any questions, having at home distractions, computer issues ect. But the school year has been quite relaxed, not having to wake up early and catch a bus every morning, taking lessons in the comfort of my bedroom and not having the general hustle and bustle of college life. I’m looking forward to being able to go back to college full time and being able to sit down in a classroom and interacted with my teacher and other students.

Asha Bagwell

“This past year has been an absolute rollercoaster. Some days have been great, where as others have felt like an endless void of nothingness. Some days have been full of happiness, laughter, peace… complete bliss, others have been painful, both mentally and emotionally exhausting. Feeling like there is no escape, no hope that the next day will be better. With that being said, this past year has allowed me to grow in ways I highly doubt I would have if I hadn’t experienced or lived through a global pandemic. I have honestly pulled a 180° turn from who I was a year ago, of course there are still elements of who I was but my eyes have truly been widened to who I am, what I stand for, the world I live in and what is beyond this life.”

Shanice Lyons

“Over this past year, it has taught me to be more patient and even though we can lose someone they’re still here in our hearts no matter what this year and that’s it’s okay to deal with mental health especially when starting at college this year has been a wild but it’s given me my wings to get through it all.”

Chris Canning, Learning Business Systems Developer

When I started, I was enrolled into a career average pension scheme which was great as there aren’t many organisations offering this type of pension scheme anymore.