Former Rotherham College students act as an inspiration

Former Rotherham College students are inspiring the next cohort of prospective students by presenting their career success stories as case studies.  The students are showcasing how they’ve achieved their career aspirations by enrolling on a course at the College.

Kirsty Lewin, a former Media Make-up Level 3 student, is a perfect example of a student who improved their career prospects and landed her dream job as a teacher.

At the age of 16, Kirsty attended the College to study Beauty Therapy Level 2. After being offered an opportunity she couldn’t refuse in employment she decided that education wasn’t quite right for her.  After ten years of working in the retail sector and starting a family, Kirsty returned to College to study Media Make-up.

“The media make-up programme is broken up into bite size chunks so it wasn’t hard to get back into education and be able to manage my workload,” she said. “As a mature student, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. If you’re unsure, go for it. Do it before it’s too late, otherwise you’ll regret it.”

She is now in the second year of her Certificate in Education at Rotherham College. She is learning the practical skills she needs to become a teacher in the subject that she feels the most passion for: body art. She is currently teaching students on the Media Make-up Level 2 qualification.

Kirsty said: “Not in a million years did I think I’d teach here. The help from the College has been above and beyond. I’ve had a huge push from Kelly, Anne and Katie (staff members at the College) and they’ve shown me the possibilities and given me an opportunity.

She added: “I feel very lucky. There is no difference between me and the other lecturers. I feel 100% part of the team.”

Once Kirsty has completed her Certificate in Education in 2015, she hopes that there will be enough teaching hours available at the College for her to stay on as a full-time member of staff.

To find out more about Kristy’s story visit: www.rotherham.ac.uk/kirsty

To view other inspirational case studies visit: www.rotherham.ac.uk/mystory