If at first...

It is notoriously difficult to get a place to train as a social worker, and I suppose that is as it should be.  This is a career that really needs people with the academic qualifications, but who also know the stress filled context they are choosing to work in as well as looking forward to the rewards.  I can't think of anyone better than our Samantha Wilson.  She didn't get in at first application, but she applied herself to an HNC and volunteering.  With these two extras, her years of experience in the workplace and her good A levels, she is now at Queen's University and loving it.  This is a really good story for those of you currently planning your future.  Your future is made up of many things.

Scott Edward Hamill - Author

Scott Hamill walked in today to present Kevin with a signed copy of his novel.  Scott studies Spanish and creative writing at the University of Lancaster, and is about to set off for his year in Spain, the lucky being.  The novel will be placed in the college library once I have finished it.

Meadbh in Galway

We also received a gorgeous photo of Meadbh ni Hir, as she begins her Irish course at the University of Galway.  Meadbh worked particularly hard in year 14 to earn the grades she needed and ended up with a choice of courses.  She picked Galway for the opportunity for interpreting, translating and lots of media work.  I have no doubt we will be seeing and hearing from Meadbh again, next time over the airwaves.  Meadbh was one of our first three Irish Medium students and we are particularly proud that she has made her career in Irish.

Rebecca's Next Success

We have received a beautiful photo of Dr Rebecca Cunningham, just graduated with her PhD.  She now heads off to Reno, Nevada to a research post which will be the start of her glittering career.  Very well done Rebecca.  We really appreciate the fact that you have come in to speak to our current science students.  Your success has certainly inspired them!

Gracious Grace

It was wonderful to have a visit from Grace Sergant, who has just graduated with a first class honour degree in nursing, and has a new job in A&E at St James' Hospital, Leeds.  I will feel very confident of a full recovery should I ever fall under a bus in Leeds.  She looked gorgeous too, and happy and fulfilled.

Two for One

Kevin has just run into Stehen Lowry in Manchester.  Stephen is graduated and working for a Manchester law firm specialising in intellectual property rights.  Now that's an interesting one!  Living with him is Conor O'Neill, now also graduate and working in recruitment.  He is currently recruiting for the oil industry, but is actually in holiday in Marbella courtesy of his firm.  Great to see Stephen and to hear about the two of them.

Corinne White has managed to get herself an Erasmus term in Barcelona as part of her nursing degree and seems to be having a fabulous time.  Her photo on FaceBook is just a wee bit disturbing however.  Aaaaagh!