FEATURE
PICTURE : TOM BANKS
who don ’ t always realise you are not automatically given everything on a plate . Because of things like mobile phones and online shopping , we live in a world of instant gratification . So it is vital we teach our students that if you really want to achieve something purposeful , you have to work at it and not give up at the first hurdle .”
She says : “ I have learnt it ’ s not about being perfect – who among us is ? It ' s about building confidence and tenacity and being willing to put in the effort for what you want to achieve .
“ We all have our own unique stories .”
She explains that it is only quite recently that she has appreciated the true value of sharing her personal story as a way to reach out and support others . And , as her experiences testify , education is the way to achieve those aspirations .
“ I had two children by the time I was 25 and at that time I would never have dreamed I would end up here ,” she says . “ I am proud of what I have achieved .
Raising aspirations - Stockton Riverside College principal Lesley Graham .
This is my background and it might just show someone that if I can do it – and I ’ m certainly not special by any means – then they can do it too .”
Stockton Riverside College is a part of the Education Training Collective ( Etc .), a group that also incorporates Redcar and Cleveland College , Bede Sixth Form , NETA Training and The Skills Academy .
Offering a wide range of full-time and part-time courses , along with higher education , access to higher education , professional and commercial courses , distance learning and apprenticeships , visit stockton . ac . uk or the-etc . ac . uk to find out more .
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