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1 Jun 2023 | |
Alumni Stories |
Sarah Newman has worked as the Art Technician at DESC for 14 years. When she started at DESC in 2007, there was only one Art teacher, Dawn Blessing, who Sarah supported. The layout of the Art department was very different, EG2 and EG3 existed as one large open-plan classroom and EG1 was used solely for clay work. The College was largely empty, with no colour or Desert Garden, just an amphitheatre that was used for the first Festive Concert. Camels frequently roamed the site that was shared with both the British Council and a German School.
Sarah has three children who are all proud DESSC Alumni: Ryan (29), Greg (26) and Kristina (24). Ryan was the proud winner of the Bill Duff Award in 2011 and left DESC that year. He went on to follow his dream of becoming a vet and now works at a practice in Yorkshire, UK. Greg was Captain of the Senior Rugby Team, leaving DESC in 2013 to study Chiropractic Science. He now runs his own Chiropractic business in Penarth, Wales. Kristina, who left DESC in 2016, also studied to become a chiropractor and now works in practice in Lincoln, UK. They are all very successful, busy professionals now, they have taken some time to reminisce about the time that they spent at DESC.
When you were here at DESC as a student, who were your favourite teachers?
Kristina: During my time at DESC, I’m grateful to have been taught by so many great and supportive teachers, who encouraged me to do the best I can. One of my favourites was Mr McMurren, as he was always so passionate about teaching Geography; it later became my favourite subject at school, especially at A-level. Mr McMurren also got me involved in the Global Ambassador programme, which allowed a group of students to bring awareness to matters that were important to us. Through this he encouraged me to challenge my avoidance of public speaking, which became helpful for when I hads to do presentations at university.
Ryan: It is always difficult to narrow down who my favourite teachers were as they were all great! Mr Bromham definitely stood out as he went above and beyond to help me through Maths, a subject that I really struggled with. He willingly gave up his own time to put on extra Maths sessions, ensuring that I did so much better in the final exams than I ever thought I was going to.
Greg: I was always surrounded by such helpful teachers, so it is hard to say as they all contributed to my success. I would say that those that really stood out for me were Mr Foster, primarily for helping us to achieve the highest levels of rugby during my time as Captain. I was always so honoured to be a part of the team as it rose to incredible heights. It is special to me to see what they achieve both now and in the future. Mr Bromham pushed me hard in maths GCSE and at AS level; he took me from getting D’s and Es in the mock exams to finally achieving an A* at GCSE! Mr Gibson also stands out for making physics interesting and understandable!
What are the outstanding memories that you cherish about your time here at DESC?
Kristina: Whilst at DESC I had the opportunity to go on some truly amazing school trips. One of my favourite trips was the Spanish Trip in 2012, where we got to go sight-seeing, engaged in fun challenges and had the opportunity to really practise speaking Spanish. I also enjoyed completing the Duke of Edinburgh expedition and would encourage anyone to take part in this award if you have the chance.
Greg: The sports tour to Singapore and Malaysia stands out for me as a key memory, and of course the first year that DESC entered a team at the Dubai 7s. I am so pleased that DESC has fielded teams at this prestigious competition ever since.
Ryan: Starting school on the first day when DESC was still at the DESS site with just a handful of people in the year group was a memory I will never forget. The amazing international trips that the College organised also stick in my memory, such as the trip to Bahrain for the Young Musicians of the Gulf, the Geography trip to Thailand and taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award in Cyprus. Also, being presented with the Bill Duff Award in 2011 from Mr Partridge, Founder of the Changing Faces charity, was one of my proudest moments.
What were the most important skills that you learnt that have helped you the most?
Ryan: Being a student at DESC definitely taught me a wide range of skills that have helped me to get where I am today, however, I would say that perseverance, keeping going when you don’t succeed at something at first, has been the most important skill for me.
Kristina: DESC allowed me to develop my self-motivation and resilience. Both of these have been vital in helping me to overcome challenges, enabling me to achieve my goals.
Greg: DESC gave me the strength to persevere when things got difficult and to overcome failures to succeed. Looking back, I appreciate now more than ever that hard work always pays off.
What is your story? Where did you go to University, what challenges have you had to overcome and what are you doing now?
Kristina: After leaving DESC in 2016, I went on to study a Master of Chiropractic degree at the University of South Wales. One of the most challenging moments I had at university, as for many, was finishing my final year during lockdown in the UK. I had to quickly learn how to change face-to-face consultations into teleconsultations, however, I was fortunate that my written and practical exams were able to be completed so I could complete my course on time. I graduated in 2020 and I am now working in a Chiropractic clinic based near Lincoln in the UK.
Ryan: I went to the University of Northampton for 3 years to do an Animal Science degree and after graduating from there I went to the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Slovakia to study my Doctorate. Moving to a new country on your own does present a few challenges but being at DESC gave me the confidence and independence to adjust to the new environment. I am currently working as a Vet practising in Yorkshire, UK.
Greg: I also attended the University of South Wales studying at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. My greatest challenge was overcoming a bicep rupture that interfered with both practical and written exams, that threatened to delay the completion of my final year. However, I still managed to finish just in time. I currently run my own chiropractic business in Penarth just outside of Cardiff.
What advice would you give to students who are at DESC now?
Kristina: Work hard but don’t put too much pressure on yourself – there is always more than one route to get to where you want to be.
Ryan: Take part in as many of the opportunities that being at DESC has to offer and enjoy it!
Greg: Enjoy your time at DESC, it really does fly by!
How do you feel about being part of the DESSC Alumni?
Kristina: I was a student at DESC from Year 7 through to Year 13 and I believe my time at DESC has played a huge role in who I am today and contributed to what I have been able to achieve. DESC provided me with guidance and support, which helped to develop me into an independent learner and prepared me for my next stage onto university. I feel so proud to have been a part of DESC in its infancy and appreciate the experiences I had as a student there. I am proud to call myself a member of the DESSC Alumni.
Ryan: Being at DESC from the very start fills me with pride when I look back at where the College has come from and what it is today. I feel very proud of being a DESSC Alumni member, being a student at DESC, especially in the early years, has played a large part in developing the person that I am today.
Greg: Looking back at my time at DESC, the teachers that I had and the experiences that I was able to be involved with makes me feel exceptionally proud. I would say that DESC has played a significant role in my development and has definitely contributed to who I am today. I am looking forward to hearing more stories from DESSC Alumni.
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