Lili Esquivel

The resources that are available, the smiles, the lessons, the support, and the general feeling of practical and academic safety, are all displays of the kindness and effort that staff put into Kendal College. There’s a genuine feeling that people want to help you do your best.

Why did you choose to study an Access course with us at college?

I always wanted to be a nurse or a midwife or something like that! I was one of those weird people that liked hospitals. Because I did not have the usual, strict routine or pathway, I wasn’t sure if I had the right qualifications to become a nurse, but when I found out this course existed, it blew my mind! I did not have a Level 3 qualification already, so I got this course completely for free. But if you do already have a Level 3, you can get financial support to cover the course costs. If you progress on to University after the Access course and get a degree, the debt is completely wiped. I really enjoy the way the teaching style varies during the course and helps us learn the skills needed to prepare to University study. One of the most helpful things that the college made available, was transport to-and-from the college. If it wasn’t for the coach that picked me up from my village, I may not have been able to come (at least, as easily).

What did you enjoy during your time as a student?

I genuinely could write a 300-page essay on all the nice things about Kendal College, but I’ll stick with a few. Firstly, Kendal College is genuinely unlike any other college I’ve ever been to (and that includes a really good one in the centre of London). Everyone was genuinely so nice, and ready to offer a smile. Even if there is any moment that you feel overwhelmed, you have the safety net that your tutors (and those around you) will try to find a way to help. As an adult learner, I had the privilege of studying with others who had made a conscious decision to switch paths and go after something different; this meant that I was surrounded by super nice classmates and teachers, who were genuinely there to support you. My tutors went absolutely above and beyond, to help us do the best that we could. As well as helping us with the academic side, they were just genuinely encouraging, and nice to be around. It’s always so nice (and important) to have respect between teachers and students; my class was like that – we were all a team. Though we all went our separate ways to complete assignments at home, there was a sense of togetherness and hard work, that I loved. The class was also great because it taught independence; not only did we learn the course content - we learnt how to learn.

When I came here, I wasn’t expecting it to be so cosy and welcoming. I genuinely enjoyed working with my tutors and my classmates and valued their time. The tutors work so hard that you want to do the same and there was such a variety of people in my class- classmates who were pregnant, Mums in their 40’s, people my age. Everyone on the course wanted to be there and felt welcome to be there. We were always helping each other, picking each other up. It's motivating in that way. I also chose to become a Student Ambassador during my time, which was super exciting, gave me an opportunity to develop new skills (without jeopardising my coursework), step out of my comfort zone and make a bunch of new friends.

What advice would you give to potential students, thinking of studying a course with us?

Since leaving college, I've realised how much can happen in a year! Who’s to say whether I won’t have learnt sign language, been sky diving, gone to Israel, broken the world record for most Yorkshire teas drink in a single minute, and ticked off a whole bunch of other nice things?! You never know what will happen over a year, so just enjoy every moment!