FORMER students returned to Warrington’s Priestley College to share their knowledge and experience with this year’s STEM cohort.
The alumni, many of whom have gone on to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects at the UK’s top universities, either visited college or spoke to students virtually.
Among them was Lennox Munjoma who is currently completing a Masters in Pharmacy at the University of Manchester.
“I just wanted to inspire them so they can take advantage of all the opportunities college has to offer that will help them stand out in their personal statements and CVs,” said Lennox, who studied Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Maths at Priestley.
The talks were arranged to help those going into the second year at Priestley prepare for making their next steps after college.
It also helped them see the benefits of taking additional programmes such as Priestley’s Pre Med course, which prepares them for careers and university courses linked to medicine.
Lucy Bridson, who took Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Psychology, The Graduate and Pre Med at Priestley, is now at the University of Liverpool studying Medicine.
“Applying for Medicine is a stressful experience and I wanted to offer some advice that I would have benefited from during my application,” said Lucy, a former pupil at The Heath.
“I particularly wanted to demonstrate that somebody who had been in their exact position and had access to the same resources as they had was able to succeed.
“I always felt like I wouldn’t ‘belong’ in Medicine because I hadn’t come from a background of private education nor had family with the career in the field yet Priestley were strong to challenge that stereotype and have supplemented many students from a variety of backgrounds both into Medicine and university.”
As well as progressing to university former students were able to explain the different routes available to anyone looking to progress in STEM.
Among them was Seb Nawrocki who studied Chemistry, Maths, Physics and the EPQ at Priestley and is now on an apprenticeship with the National Nuclear Laboratory working in Radioanalytical Chemistry and also completing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
“Going to university or doing an apprenticeship after college is a big commitment and a life-changing choice for young people and as such they should have as much information as possible,” said the former Birchwood Community High pupil.
“Having had a good amount of experience with life and education following A-Levels I felt I was a good person to share some insight about what the students can expect.”
Tutor and Priestley STEM coordinator Shahida Khanam said: “Priestley allows all students to excel in STEM subjects and we have to thank those who spoke during this week for helping our current cohort on their way.”
Thomas Shaw returned to the science laboratory at Priestley to share their advice on applying to the UK’s top universities.
