Study science at South Essex College

My name is Zack Short and I am studying BA (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation at the University Centre South Essex.

I started at the college in 2017 and did a Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science course. It was a challenge at first with my visual impairment but eventually I was able to progress to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science, which I did for the next two years. I had some fun in that class and met some really good people. 

I then chose to progress to a BSc (Hons) Criminology & Forensic Investigation which I thought could lead to an interesting career in the criminological field. My support staff are amazing, they have dealt with me for nearly seven years so we know each other pretty well.

My visual impairment isn’t related to the eyes, it is related to a skin condition called Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE),  which is extremely rare. At the time I was diagnosed back in 2010/2011 only about 250 people had it, that’s how rare it is. It has numerous different affects, but in my case it has affected my eyes quite badly and parts of my brain. In recent years I’ve gone colour blind due to over strangulation of nerve endings and blood loss in the eye so my eyes weren’t getting enough oxygen and couldn’t function correctly. I get severe headaches and eye strains if I push myself a bit too hard. 

As I mentioned earlier, I get amazing support from the communicators here at SECG. They are saints because they get the work done and even if they are under stress,  they get it out on time which is phenomenal. They have saved me more than once. I get help from scribes who take notes for me, I can get help setting up equipment and measurements or modified rulers. The communicators here provide tactile graphs, braille sheets etc.

I would say to anyone who has a disability and was thinking of studying at South Essex College Group ‘just go for it, take the shot even if you are nervous.’ In the future I want to go into a criminology field like crime analytics, theory or crime policies where you gather all the numbers and facts behind the crime scenarios.

Zack was supported by Debbie Gale (Educational Communicator) who has been at his side for the last six years, throughout his Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science, then Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science, and finally throughout his Degree BSc (Hons) Criminology & Forensic Investigation. He also achieved his GCSE English whilst here at the college. Carmen Griffin (Educational Communicator) has supported Zack throughout secondary school and all through college and says that so to be able to see his final educational journey and progress here at the college over the last year and half has been fantastic. 
 

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.
 

High-achieving and dedicated Science Student of the Year, Emma Groom, is on course to follow her dream after securing a place to study Forensic Anthropology at Dundee University.

The 18-year-old has excelled in her Forensic Investigation & Criminology studies, achieving distinction star in her first year of study and is expected to achieve triple distinction star at the end of her programme.

Emma said she chose to study at South Essex College as it was one of the only providers she was aware of that offered the course. Her course has enabled her to pursue her dream of becoming a Forensic Anthropologist and she said it has ‘heightened my enthusiasm about my career path’.

Her tutors were quick to praise Emma and nominate her as Science Student of the Year. Her citation read: “Emma has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She is a polite, kind and considerate individual who is highly regarded by both her peers and her tutors. 
“Emma is an ambitious and conscientious young person and we wish her all the success that she deserves.”

Emma said she was thrilled to have won the award and said her hard work over the past two years had paid off.

She said: “I gained a lot of knowledge on how criminal cases are analysed and the process that it goes through when taken to court.
“I wish to become a successful Forensic Anthropologist. It will bring joy to me when I can finally give those affected by unforeseen events their identity back and finally bring them justice.”