She dropped out of school without a qualification but now Mel Sheldon is looking forward to her future with excitement – because her tutors at Leek College believed in her.
Twenty-one-year-old Mel, from Leek, has been offered a place at university to study surface pattern design and hopes to realise her ambition of a career as a fabric and wallpaper designer. It’s thanks to Leek College’s Foundation Learning course that she’s been able to turn her life around and she admits that, after six years at the Stockwell Street campus, she will be sorry to say goodbye.
Mel explained: “I got in with the wrong crowd at school and dropped out when I was 15. I wasted my time there but, thankfully, Leek College gave me a second chance and I’ve made up for it now.
“I think my attitude at college has been totally different because the tutors have been so supportive. They believed in me so I believed in myself. I studied for my key skills qualifications in Maths and English and was shown around the Art department because I’ve always been interested in art.
“I now have a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and an offer of a place at Bolton University to study surface pattern design. I’d love a career designing wallpaper and my ultimate dream is to run my own surface design company eventually.
“I’m excited for my future for the first time in my life and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come in the past few years. I’ve even won two college awards for outstanding achievement and, after getting two merits and a distinction in my coursework, am predicted an overall distinction in my final pieces.
“I could never have done any of this without Leek College because I live on my own and I’ve needed support which I’ve had all the way. I like the fact that the class sizes are so small so you get individual attention and coaching where you are having problems.
“What’s more is I’ve had financial help too to put my portfolio together and even help with train fares to get to university interviews. I can’t recommend Leek College highly enough and, because my tutors here have been so friendly and supportive, I feel I will always stay in touch. I’ll probably be still ringing and asking for their advice when I’m away at Uni!.”
Val Smith, Leek College’s Director of Student Support, said: “Mel’s story makes every member of staff feel that we have a fantastic job and it’s a real privilege to be able to help people like Mel to achieve their potential and ambitions.”