I am writing this as I am currently completing some of my final university work and it had me remembering about my time at Colston's and I thought I would share my experience from the school and what I have done since finishing school.

Firstly I would like to say thank you to all the teachers at Colston's who helped and supported me during my time there (2004-2011). I am one to admit that I struggled during my A level years and did not achieve the grades I should have. During my A levels I decided not to go to university and enter the world of full time employment: jobs included retail work, sales, banking and also part of the Children's and Young people's service for Bristol City Council. Whilst working, and with the support of my employers, I completed two NVQs, my first in retail and then a level three in business administration whilst at Bristol City Council.

Eventually I decided to leave Bristol and moved to Lincoln where I started working for Lincolnshire County Council at a day centre for adults with learning and physical disabilities as a business support assistant. Whilst working at the day centre and at the age of 21 I made the decision to go to university. During my application process I had support from my former teachers at Colston's despite not seeing them for several years; special thanks to Liz Young and Mrs (Judy) Brighton,  who helped me with my application. I was extremely worried I would not be accepted to any university; however, due to my time at Colston's, my extra curricular activities (many of which I carried on with once leaving school), my previous employment and life experience got me accepted into 4 out of 5 of my university choices. I decided to attend Nottingham Trent University to study Education and Sports Education.

As I am nearing the end of my university experience and about to re enter the world of employment, I have discovered so much more about myself. From my time as a business support assistant at the day centre I am now, and have been during my time at university, a Community Support Worker for people with learning and physical disabilities and my dissertation is focused on sport development for those with learning and physical disabilities.

Apologies for the long story, however my main point is that if I didn't attend Colston's I most probably would never have achieved what I have. I did not achieve good enough grades when I was 18 and had lost interest in education. Colston's is more than just achieving good grades, the extra curricular activities prepare you for the world and helped me secure a place in further education.

So I would like to use this as a thank you to the teachers and staff members who supported me. Without Colston's I would not be in this position of continuing my career within sport development for those with learning and physical disabilities.  I would also like to use it as a message to those still at the school to not give up and continue to try your best. It doesn't matter if you decide not to go to university at 18 years old, but Colston's gives you the opportunity to go if/when you want to.

Thanks for reading!

Alice

Alice Arnold
Aldington House
Leaver 2011