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From Student to College Staff
Former South Essex College student Laila Bond goes from student to staff.
Former South Essex Colleges Group student Laila Bond completed Level 1 Life Skills where she also passed her Maths and English. After Laila completed her Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy courses at Southend City College, she was unsure on what she wanted to do. Laila said: “I struggled massively with anxiety throughout secondary school. Then I thought about how much I enjoy beauty therapy. It’s something I’ve always loved, so decided to go for it.”
Laila said: “With beauty therapy, there are so many options. I knew I didn’t want to work in a salon, but I could possibly work abroad, on a cruise, or I could even work from home.”
Laila achieved her qualifications and has now become a member of staff at the Southend City College as a Hair and Beauty Facilitator. She said: “My favourite part of the job is the people. It’s such a good team and everyone always gets along. We always have such a good laugh.”
During her time at the college, Laila also won a Jack Petchey award due to her progression in the courses. Laila said: “My tutors recognised that I worked my way up from Pre-16s, Level 2 Beauty and then through to my Level 3. I was so honoured.”
Students studying on the Beauty Therapy course also get to travel to Thailand. Laila was fortunate enough to go and said: “The trip was amazing. My favourite part had to be the floating market where we were on a boat and got to see Komodo dragons, snakes and monkeys which were all on the side of the river. They had so many little stalls and other boats selling food. The coconut ice cream was unreal and the elephant sanctuary where we got to feed them, swim with them and give them a mud bath. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
Laila concluded: “I would like to stay within the college, keep progressing and someday become a lecturer. I would like to do a course for that.”
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
Celebrating Success 2022: Sophie Peacock
Course studied
Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.
Sophie Peacock, 17, from Billericay, studied the Level 3 Creative Media (Television and Film) Diploma at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her good level of organisation and commitment to every task as well as being a mature, professional and articulate student.
Her tutor said: “Sophie takes advantage of every opportunity available to her both in college and outside, as she understands the value and benefits it will provide her with, in terms of networking, communicating, professionalism and improving her knowledge and skills. She is an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom and I hope she goes on to achieve great success.”
Sophie chose to study at the college because she liked the facilities that were available for her course.
She has loved the amount of creative freedom that the course has offered and being able to create any ideas and turn them into a reality with the support of her tutors.
Sophie was really proud and a little bit overwhelmed about winning the award.
She said: “I would definitely recommend South Essex College to those are who are looking for somewhere to be themselves and find their true passion.”
Sophie’s ambition for the future is to become a producer on the set of a live entertainment program.
