Congratulations to beauty therapy student, Georgie McGregor! Her hard work and commitment was highly commended in the recent Festival of Learning awards held by The Learning and Work Institute.
Georgie was nominated by the Curriculum Operations Manager for Hair and Beauty, Michaela Greaves, who wanted to recognise her determination and passion for learning and developing her skills. She also wanted to highlight how she cares and supports others.
An inspiring student
In her nomination, Michaela said:
“Georgie started out as a performing arts student at college when she left school. She realised her dream of becoming a performer wasn’t to be during her 2nd year on the course. During this time, she expressed an interest in beauty therapy and started studying in our department. Over the last 2 years the transformation of this amazing, mature, young lady has been wonderful to see!
Georgie was offered an apprenticeship during her work experience in level 2 beauty therapy but declined the opportunity as she realised that working in a salon wasn’t for her! She wanted to teach the staff in the salon!
Being the main carer for her family due to her mum’s illness, and supporting her through lockdown, has driven Georgie to aspire high and support others.
During her time on the Level 3 beauty therapy course, and over the latest lockdown, she has taken steps to help her realise her dream in becoming a teacher in Further Education. She has also taken every opportunity to have her voice heard regarding social purpose. Georgie has become an ambassador for the college. She has also attended many online events representing both the college and the industry. She is following her goal ‘to make a difference in the community’!
Georgie never gives up
Georgie has also shared her vision that ‘it’s ok to change your mind in this ever changing world, give every opportunity your best shot and who knows where it will take you’, with her peers.
Georgie’s story is no different to many learners out there; the way she tells it is the difference! The passion behind her journey regarding her family background and the grit and determination around the barriers she has had to overcome is inspiring.
It is so evident that this student is an achiever and understands that giving up is never an option.”
The skills to succeed
We asked Georgie to tell us more about her journey. She said:
“I was young and immature as a 16 year old student when I studied performing arts! I thought this was the career choice for me. My mental health suffered during this time, mainly due to my lack of confidence in my abilities as a performer. I realised at 18 that this was not a life that I wanted and I needed to find something different. My mum suggested beauty therapy.
Once I started studying beauty therapy I realised my dream. I was happy, caring and really good at something. Being 2 years older really helped as I knew that I had matured and could achieve anything if I gave it my best. The realisation that by carrying out a treatment I was helping someone’s wellbeing, as well as my own, was amazing! I get this from every treatment I do.
The Aspire programme at college helped me to realise that I’m not just learning to be a beauty therapist I am being given the opportunity to be a hard-working, successful individual who can go out into the world of work and succeed at anything. It has also taught me that if I don’t succeed due to a difficult circumstances, I can get back up, brush myself off and try again.”
Georgie has now finished her Level 3 beauty therapy course but plans to come back to college at the end of summer to start building her experience of working in a college environment. Her ultimate goal is to become a teacher in a college and to support other students in the same way she has been supported during her time as a student here.