Jelena

Jelena was a campus award winner while studying the BTEC Level 3 Computing course at Tower Hamlets campus. She has now left college and is working as a Network Engineer on a Level 4 apprenticeship at Exponential-e. Find out more in the Q&A below.

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

I was studying back home in Latvia, and then the day after I finished school, I moved to London and applied to study at NCC.

What are your plans for next steps?

I have already progressed since leaving college and I am now doing a Level 4 apprenticeship at Exponential-e as a Network Engineer.

What’s your ambition in life?

I want to have a cybersecurity business which will supply safety online for all people, wherever they live in the world.

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

How to make websites, how to manage IT systems and how to create networks and manage them.

How did New City College help you achieve?

I received a lot of help from my teachers and the Principals. Also NCC organised the Exponential-e event (they came into college) and that is how I managed to get the apprenticeship I am now doing.

What values are most important to you?

I think that achievement, security, support and integrity are the most important values.

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

I would like to see a world where there is no war and where everyone feels secure (not only online, but in the real world as well).

What is the best advice you have ever received?

‘You cannot know everything. You cannot be the best at everything. But you can learn and try’

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

Well, because it was the age when I came to the UK, I would just say to be more confident in your abilities and stop being too shy to ask questions.

What makes you feel positive?

The knowledge that I have been successful and that I will succeed even more in the future.

Who is your role model?

My mother, Mashob Ahmed, and also Andre Beckley, who was my teacher.

Who is your favourite teacher and why?

I love all of my teachers as they are the ones who took me to where I am now and they gave me the knowledge I have now.

What is the best thing about New City College?

New City College supports you, the staff and teachers are very kind and are always there to help and also the study programme and the way the courses are run is amazing.

If you had three wishes, what would they be?

One, to stop the wars (not only in Ukraine, where my family is), but in all countries as no one should experience such a terror. Two, the ability to help my family and friends more. And three, I do not really need to wish myself success as I am confident that I will definitely reach it myself!