“My college experience has been the best I could have asked for!” Q&A with Outstanding Achievement Award winner Beth

by india

Marple student Beth Harper recently received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Student of the Year Awards last month. The ceremony was hosted at AJ Bell stadium to celebrate all of our student achievements, hard work and dedication.

We caught up with Beth to find out more about her college experience and what she will be going on to do next!

Hi Beth! What are you studying?

Health and Social Care – Level 3.

How have you found your college experience so far?

My college experience has been the best experience I could have asked for! After coming into college at the start completely phobic and with no confidence, Marple College has helped me get to the end of college.

The teaching has been person-centered and my teachers have been so helpful in ensuring that I know what I’m doing, to which they’ve all gone out of their way to help me in so many ways – not just within college but out of college too. I’ve had revision sessions with my teachers and they do everything they can to help. I could not have chosen a better college or course. College has been so friendly!

I’ve felt so safe and comfortable with Marple College despite having anxiety, they’ve helped me to become who I am today, and some of the things I’ve done wouldn’t have been possible without the people around me. The support staff and my teachers have always looked out for me to ensure that I’m okay.

What have been some of your highlights?

The class laughs! I really enjoyed doing the fundraising activities and charity walks.

The very first day I started college, I was so nervous. The college supported me to make friends. My teachers made sure I was never on my own, and helped to make friendships. Having people who understand me and telling me that I CAN do it!

I recently attended the Student Conference, which you can read about here.

How did it feel to win the Outstanding Achievement Award?

Honestly… I cried! I could seriously of hugged all of my teachers. I’ve never ever, ever, won anything like this before. I am beyond happy and proud of myself. After seeing all of my friends get awards in school I always felt so down as I never achieved anything despite putting so much work in. It’s really increased my self-esteem and has made me happy that my work has been recognised. I’ve always been told my work ethic is amazing at college but I never knew I’d ever get an award for it.

What are your plans once you finish college?

I am coming back to Marple College to work here as a Learning Facilitator!

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of studying at Marple College?

Marple is the perfect college! It’s smaller which is better if you don’t like busy places. There’s plenty of room, classes are smaller sizes and the teaching is person-centered. The staff get to know you, and are always there for you no matter what day or time. They always make time for you.

As a student with additional needs and coming from a school that failed to meet my needs, Marple College support staff did everything to make my journey as easy and stress-free as possible.

We wish Beth the best in the future and her return to Marple College, where she will become a Learning Facilitator to help and inspire other students on their journey.