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Leah Horton My Story
Former University Centre South Essex student Leah Horton tells us her story
My name is Leah Horton, I am 21 years old, I studied Early Years Education at University Centre South Essex from 2020 until 2023 and this is my story.
Before starting at UCSE, I had just dropped out of Winchester University after a short period of time, as I felt homesick and was unsure of the course. I was then accepted into UCSE at the very last minute and have been grateful for having this opportunity. I chose to study at South Essex College as I was able to commute from home. When looking at the course, it was suited to the career I originally wanted to do, whilst also having brilliant reviews.
My time at UCSE prepared me for the workplace as it made me understand that to achieve and succeed in life, you have to work hard for it. The best thing about doing higher education is the rewarding feeling you get once you have completed everything at the best standard you possibly could have. I have gained lots of confidence during my time at the university, whilst also gaining organisation skills, both in which I will use in the workplace.
My favourite memory of being at the university is when my friends and I would walk down to the beach at lunchtime and eat the donuts! After finishing my degree, I applied for many jobs, and participated in online courses to ensure I got a job in the industry I wished to work in. I have been lucky enough to have been given a job in a Lloyd’s Syndicate in the City, at my dream company, Munich Re.
My official title will be a Claims Delegated Authority Assistant, where I will be assisting the claims team in various tasks including the day-to-day admin. I have had no experience in this industry, however, I was proactive in searching for jobs and completing free courses to gain a better understanding of the industry.
My tutor at UCSE, Maria helped me to achieve the grades I have achieved in all of my assignments, whilst also helping me to understand what it was that I actually wanted to do as a career, and for that, I couldn’t recommend UCSE enough. Maria helped me grow as a person and gain lots of confidence. My time at the university helped me gain confidence and persistence. With my greatest achievement being achieving a 2:1 in my dissertation.
I
n the future, I hope to progress through insurance and to gain my CII certification.
Success stories
Success Story: Tommy Davis
Course studied
Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production; planning, shooting, and editing.
Former South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) student, Tommy Davis, now a successful freelance director, is hoping to raise enough money to make a new TV series entitled Cash in Hand, based on the working class struggle in Essex, before pitching to major broadcast networks later this year.
Tommy, from Rayleigh studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in TV and Film Production and achieved the Extended Diploma in 2015. He chose to study at SECG because he wanted to develop his passion for filmmaking and learn the craft in a professional environment with like-minded creative people.
He said: “Before coming to SECG I’d always had an obsession with cameras and making films, from shooting home videos as a kid to creating skateboarding films with my mates throughout my teens.
“SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production; planning, shooting, and editing. My time there built my confidence and gave me the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.
“The equipment at SECG was fantastic; from a full blackout TV broadcast studio for multicamera with live vision mixing, to using the studio as a professional film space with overhead lighting rigs.”
After completing his course Tommy went onto study at London South Bank University, and now works as a freelance film director specialising in music videos and branded content, working with artists, musicians, brands, and record labels around the world.
His job entails directing, producing, and overseeing all aspects of film production; from concept and shot listing to shooting and editing.
He said: “I progressed to my current position by building up my portfolio step-by-step, starting with small videos, then working with bigger artists and brands and continually developing my craft.”
Tommy said that his favourite memory of being at SECG was: “Knocking about with mates and sneaking into the big red auditorium on lunch breaks to watch music videos and Jackass”
He said that his greatest achievement has been: “Travelling the world directing, working with incredible artists such as Stormzy, high profile brands and being nominated for awards including the UK MVAs, the NME Awards, and the Young Arrows for Best New Director.
“My ambition is to get my television pilot Cash in Hand commissioned into a full series”.
A teaser video posted to social media has already gained more than 100,000 views and Tommy has launched a fundraiser to get it off the ground. The show will be set around “cash jobs, dodgy site managers, and everyday hustle, capturing the loyalty, banter, and chaos that defines life for many”.
You can support the project by donating here: https://igg.me/at/CASHINHAND/x/18239410#
Take a loook at our updated Film and Television Production course Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
The best thing about doing the degree was realising that I could have a new career at 46.
Artist, Ferne Worsley is 52 and is from Westcliff. She is a proud mother of one.
She studied an Access to Art & Design course at South Essex Colleges Group and then progressed to BA (Hons) in Fine Art at University Centre South Essex and this is her story.
I went to art college when I was 18, but the course wasn't really right for me so I didn't end up graduating from it properly. Then I decided I wanted to work, so I went out and got various jobs, I went to evening classes because I still loved doing art, so I did painting and drawing.
I was working in a creative job as a picture editor, so I worked on magazines, researching photos etc. I was always sad that I didn't carry on with art, but I started doing life drawing classes and got talking to one of the other participants who had just done an Access course at South Essex Colleges Group and suggested that I do it. I applied and I realised that I could get a grant for it and that I would not have to repay it if I went on to do a degree. I absolutely loved Access and part of the course taught you how to apply for a degree course.
After I talked to my husband, I applied to do a degree in Fine Art, my three years of study with tutors Matt, Andy and Maria were the best time in my life.
It was the staff being so helpful that made a difference. Juggling studying with being a mum was quite difficult because the course is quite demanding. There's a lot of written work but I really loved it and the staff were accommodating with deadlines and stuff like that.
Although the financial side was quite difficult, I did manage to get a maintenance award which really helped. There is a lot of support available if you're on a low income.
The best thing about doing the degree was realising that I could have a new career at 46. I thought: ‘I can really do this’, and that comprehension was life changing.
Whist on my degree, I was volunteering at various places because I was thinking of the future and did a post degree course (the equivalent to an Masters) with TOMA.
Following the MA, I opened up a the Blokhouse Studios with some other graduates to provide graduates and artists with a studio space. A local philanthropist gave us a little pot of funding to have that initial deposit to start up in a new premises and that is how the Blokhouse started.
Our aim is to provide recent graduates like ourselves with a stepping stone after leaving university. A lot of graduates don't know what to do next and need options and studio space. Our heart was with University Centre South Essex as that’s where we were from and we were quite passionate in wanting others like us to have the same opportunity.
The studios welcome visits by the public and we have workshops for collectives such as Metal, Brentwood Change Makers and the Focal Point Gallery. We are opening out to other artists like early career artists who would like to do workshops in here, including studio artists.
Currently there are seven graduates from UCSE and 12 artists in total. Our aspiration is to give graduates an opportunity to find a career in the arts, locally and beyond. We want to be a springboard for them so we can connect them to the artist network. We prioritize those on low income or those facing barriers such as a mental health barrier, a physical health barrier or a financial barrier. We are applying for funding so that we can make the studio spaces and facilities as affordable as we can. The project costs quite a lot of money, so to raise money, we have events including art auctions, where we ask artists to donate work and raffles. I would like this place to be a success and each time I walk in to the Blokhouse I get a really nice feeling that I've done something good, it's rewarding.
For those thinking of going back to education I would say just do it. Go and chat to the course leaders at the UCSE, you really can make it work with your schedule.
The course helped me to grow my confidence because we did collaborative sessions which involved us discussing our projects and ideas.
My name is Daisy Whittaker, I am 27 years old, I studied Interior Design at University Centre South Essex (UCSE) and this is my story.
I studied 3D Design at South Essex Colleges Group (SEGC), and then went onto Interior Design at UCSE where I graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree.
Before coming to SECG, I did my GCSE’s at FitzWimarc School (Art, Business, History and Spanish) and had previously completed work experience at kitchen design company, Spazio Design.
I chose to study at UCSE because of the teaching. I was gaining a UAL qualification without paying for London prices, it allowed me to stay at home which meant I could keep my part-time job and still see my friends and family. I think staying at home allowed me to focus more on my studies because I wasn’t distracted by a new environment.
During my time studying, my class spent a lot of time discussing employability and had a lot of industry links. We had a unit dedicated to work experience and another unit which prepares you for industry, sorting CVs, portfolios etc.
The course helped me to grow my confidence because we did collaborative sessions which involved us discussing our projects and ideas. We had a few informal presentations as well which taught me the skills to discuss my designs, a skill I use daily in the industry.
Aside from the practical skills such as using software, we also learnt to do hand drawings, design skills such as mood board creations and model realisation, I also learnt how to collaborate with other designers and present ideas.
I have found that the equipment we studied with rivals what is used in industry. We learn to utilise the same software - Adobe Studio, AutoCAD, Google SketchUP, V-Ray, and have access to the same model making machines such as the laser cutter and 3D Printer.
My favourite memory of being at the college was my end-of-year exhibition show that we put on at the OXO Tower in London. It was amazing to see all of our hard work come to fruition and for all of our friends and family to see what they had been supporting us with.
After graduating I went to work for Kelly Hoppen Interiors as a Junior Designer. Kelly Hoppen Interiors specialises in high-end design including residential, commercial and maritime. Whilst there I worked on Celebrity Cruises and a private Royal residence. Following my position at Kelly Hoppen Interiors I set up my own business, Daisy Whittaker Designs. I specialise in residential interiors and have projects across Kent, London, Essex, Sicily and the Algarve.
I think the best thing about going into FE or HE is the industry links that you create and the confidence that it gives you. I would definitely recommend attending SECG, the teaching was always impressive and supportive.
My greatest achievement so far has been setting up my business and running that full-time, alongside part-time lecturing at the university. My business has been published in multiple publications including Essex Living and Essex Life, and has been voted ‘Best Full-Service Residential Design Firm 2024 in Essex’.
My ambitions for the future are to continue to scale the business, to hopefully employ some staff and set up a studio.
To find out more and have a look at Daisy's work, visit:
Essex | Daisy Whittaker Designs | England
