Helen studied Health and Social Care with us and now works as a Senior Science Technician at John Ruskin School, Coniston. Alongside her studies, Helen volunteered as a fantastic Class Rep and Student Ambassador.
Kendal College had a lot to do with where I am now. I did a Health and Social course which opened up a world of possibilities for me, including everything I do related to mental health.
What were some of your best memories during your time as a student at College?
The best memories I had were during my time as a Student Ambassador. It was definitely a way of supporting the college while still having so much fun with other students. It very rarely felt like work, and it was always so varied. Being a Student Ambassador probably had the biggest impact on me. It helped me to grow my confidence massively, especially when talking with new people. That has been a big part of why I can comfortably do all my volunteering roles. Based on my experiences, I would recommend becoming a Student Ambassador at Kendal College.
Did you learn any skills at college that support you in your current role?
I used the skills that I gained at college in my current role. The main skills I use are to communicate confidently and effectively with the adults and children I work with.
What have you been up to since finishing your studies with us?
Since leaving Kendal College, I have found myself doing many different things at work and outside of it. Immediately after college, I started working as a hotel receptionist because I wasn't completely sure what I wanted to be yet. Now, I am the Senior Science Technician at a secondary school. This means I prepare all the experiments for the science lessons and look after all the chemicals we have. Alongside my role in the school, I am also trained as a Youth Mental Health First Aider.
Outside of work, I have taken on many volunteering roles. I am the lead coach and club coordinator of my local children's running club. We have 33 kids in our Teens and Minis sections. It is an incredibly rewarding experience, and the kids are lovely (when they want to be). I volunteer with Rainbows and Brownies in my village, which is amazing as I watch these girls develop into impressive young women.
I am also a Shout volunteer. Shout is a crisis text line, which means I receive texts from people all over the country (and New Zealand) and help them find safety when in crisis. In addition to work and volunteering, I have also completed my first course towards becoming a counsellor.
What advice would you give potential students thinking of studying at Kendal College?
Career-wise, I'd say just find something you love. If it ends up not being right for you, find something else. You have to work for a long time, so there's no point doing something you hate. In all honesty, I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career, but my course at Kendal College helped me realise how many options there were out there for me to pursue.
Would you recommend Kendal College to others?
I would recommend Kendal College, but when picking your course, I'd recommend just choosing something you'll enjoy. It doesn't matter if you don't know what you want to do yet because so many skills you'll learn will be transferrable, so no doors are closing for you if you pick the "wrong" course. Kendal College had a lot to do with where I am now. I did a Health and Social course, which opened up a world of possibilities for me, including everything I do related to mental health.
