As Gateshead College celebrates 80 years of empowering students and shaping futures, it’s also a time to spotlight the people who make the college such a special place.
Among them is Grace, a former Film and TV student whose journey has come full circle as she is now one of our colleges careers advisors, helping to guide and inspire students at the very place that helped shape her own path.
We caught up with Grace to find out what the college means to her and why being part of its 80th year feels so special.
“I absolutely loved it,” she says. “It’s something I still talk about in interviews. The course gave us complete creative freedom, and the tutors, (John, Mark and Len) really encouraged us to explore our ideas. There was so much trust, and that made the whole experience incredibly fun and inspiring. It was a small, close-knit group of students on my course and we all got on so well! There was no judgement, just creativity and support.”
So what brought Grace back to Gateshead College?
“The girl who had my job before me was a friend of mine at university and told me about the vacancy. I had such great memories from my time here, I thought, ‘I’d love to go back!’ I even wondered if Floss from the college shop would remember me and she did, which was lovely.”
Now, as part of the staff team, Grace has found even more reasons to feel at home.
“What I love most is the people. It’s such a warm, welcoming environment. You walk through the doors, and you’re met with smiling faces. It really does feel like one big family.”
Reflecting on what Gateshead College means to her, both as a former student and a current member of staff, she says “It makes me feel proud to be part of something that matters.
The college helped shape who I am and now I get to help shape other students in return. It’s about giving young people opportunities and making a real impact in the community.”
When asked to sum up the college in three words, Grace said “Friendly, passionate, supportive.”
As for what’s helped the college thrive for over 80 years? “It’s the people. There are staff here who go above and beyond for students’ people genuinely care, and that’s what keeps the college moving forward.”
When it comes to joining the college, Grace doesn’t hesitate to encourage others. “Go for it! Everyone says how different it is here in the best possible way. It’s welcoming, it’s supportive and there’s so much to be excited about.”
And looking to the future?
“I hope we just keep doing what we do best growing, supporting students and making amazing memories and having fun while we do it.”
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