Meet our student ambassadors
Meet our friendly student ambassadors, who will be at our local and campus events to answer any questions you might have.
Lisa
Course: BA (Hons) Social Studies [full-time]
Year of Study: 2
Campus/Partner College: University of Warwick
Hi, I'm Lisa and I have almost completed year one of my social studies degree here at Warwick University. I progressed onto the full time Batchelors degree following successful completion of the Gateway Course through the Centre for Lifelong Learning which is free of charge and has no entry requirements other than a passion to learn. Despite being medically dismissed from employment in 2021 at the age of 50 and having constant pain as a result of Paget’s disease, I’m so well supported by the wellbeing and disability team at Warwick, and receive so much encouragement and support it has made my first year thoroughly enjoyable and as a result my disability does not stand in my way! I travel extensively, blog for the University and in my spare time I love to listen to audio books and grow my own fruit and vegetables. I have been happily married for 26 years and we have two daughters aged 20 and 24, all of whom are very proud of me as I am of them.
Our family grew in size today as we welcomed a Ukrainian mum and her two sons to live with us as part of the government’s sponsorship scheme for Ukraine. I am looking forward very much to spending the summer with them, teaching them English and showing them our very beautiful country, and I think already we are friends for life. I adore being a student and feel for the first time ever that I am where I should be. Nothing is impossible, because as the very word say’s “I’m possible”.
Lisa is also a student blogger, read her blogs.Link opens in a new window
Cecile
Course: Degree 2 + 2 BA (Hons) Social Studies [full-time]
Year of Study: 3
Campus/Partner College: University of Warwick
After the last 2 years spent in college and at home because of the COVID pandemic, I really enjoyed the campus life this year. I have majored in International Politics as well as studying coaching because I aim to become a life coach and professional Networker which explains my change of career 3 years ago from sales account management to social studies. I love networking and making a difference in people’s lives hence my participation in our University’s life as blogger and CLL Ambassador as well as volunteering in different places. Warwick University offered me many opportunities that made me discovered skills I was not aware and for this I am very grateful. Life is what you make of it, embrace it, live it, and always seek for the right help when it is needed. We all need love and support!
Cecile is also a student blogger, read her blogsLink opens in a new window
Ray
Have been involved in training for over 20 years as a tutor, training manager, NVQ Centre co-ordinator/manager and a self-employed trainer, supply teacher. Was heavily involved in NVQ’s as an assessor and internal verifier and also their training, and production of NVQ.
On my retirement in February 2017 at 65 was looking for a new challenge. My daughter was in her first year of studying Criminology and Psychology at Coventry University and I would proofread her assignment and discuss her studies. I became aware of the Gateway course and met with the tutor and felt that as a mature student I could give an insight into changes in history from a personal perspective.
I chose to become a Student Ambassador as I believe education should be available to all regardless of their individual circumstances.
Graham
I am lucky to be retired and I am enjoying life to full. My background has always been in Banking and Finance, but along this long journey my hobbies have remained with me. These included all aspects of listening and playing music (guitar and drums/keyboards to a lesser degree). My interest in music has allowed me to be a presenter on a local community radio station where I have my own show. With regarding to voluntary work I volunteer with around 8 organisations with varying roles. I have found that volunteering gives to organisation help and support which is much needed. It also helps the individual gain confidence and explore new ventures and is very social. I like many people these days suffered and struggled with depression and anxiety due the fact that I was bullied at work and at the same time my son was sent to Afghanistan on a bomb detection unit. I attended a course through the mental health charity MIND to allowed me to understand and cope with how I was feeling. This course and the support changed my life. Moving forward I now teach this course and I am able to help and support people who "want to get their old selves back". Your never too old to start something new and challenging like University or to recover from anxiety/low self-esteem. Be strong.
Jon
Course: MA (Masters) in Social Research, Graduate of BA (Hons) Health and Social Policy [2+2 Degree Pathway]
Year of Study: completed
Campus/Partner College: University of Warwick
I graduated last year and am now studying for an MA in Social Research at Warwick. My future plans are to either get a job doing research for government or possibly do a PhD. My passion is to make sure education is available to everyone, when and if they want to study. I didn’t go to University when I was 18 like most people but had a job. I worked for McDonald's and became a manager before moving on to other things. I then worked for Walkers Crisps for several years as a sales rep. but finally decided the time was right to start to study. I wasn’t ready at 18 but as I got older, I wanted to restart my education.