Emma

Emma won the 14-16 Student of the Year award at the Ardleigh Green campus awards. She says the college helped her achieve by giving her the support she needed. She aims to go to university to study Graphic Design.

Tell us about your education journey – what and where did you study before coming to NCC? 

I went to Frances Bardsley Academy, where I stayed until 2020 when Covid started. That was where I was unable to complete my GCSEs and was given my predicted grades. 

What are your plans for next steps? 

At Norwich University of Art, I would like to complete a 3 year degree in Graphic Design.  

What’s your ambition in life? 

I would like to become a creative arts lecturer and inspire others like I was. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned on your course? 

I thoroughly enjoyed many elements of my course especially the print room, the darkroom and having the creative freedom.  

How did New City College help you achieve? 

NCC helped me achieve through having the support and help that I needed, both physically and creatively to become the person I am today. 

What values are most important to you? 

Community, accomplishment, quality and empowerment are the values that are most important to me.  

What is the biggest change you wish to see in the world? 

I would like to see a world where everyone is included and where there are not so many boundaries in certain areas. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

That anything is possible and that I should never let anything hold me back, no matter what my boundaries are. This is the best advice that I have received. 

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 15-year-old self? 

I would tell myself not to doubt my future because even when you have bad days you are one step closer to your goal. 

What makes you feel positive? 

When I see people or things that make me smile, I think of ways that I could include these in my creative work. This is what makes me feel happy.  

Who is your role model? 

My family and lecturers are my role models as they have always believed in me. 

Who is your favourite teacher and why? 

I would like to say that I didn’t have a favourite because all the staff in my department supported me. But if I had to pick, Alex was a teacher who was always there if I needed any help with literally anything and was very supportive throughout my three years. Without him and his support, I am unsure where I would be now. 

What is the best thing about New City College? 

The support and freedom that I was given at NCC is the best thing about the college. 

If you had three wishes, what would they be? 

I am not sure if I could pick three, but I do think I shouldn’t have doubted myself when starting college.