Joint winner in the Access to HE Student Achievement Award 2011 - Janice Tinnion

Nominated by Peter Birch and Paula Miller, Newcastle College

When Janice enrolled on the Health pathway at Newcastle College in September 2009, she was in her late forties and didn’t believe she would ever reach her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. However she proved to be a highly motivated, dedicated student who took the lead within group tasks, encouraged others to stay focussed and often arranged to meet with her peers outside of the timetabled hours to ensure that coursework was completed to an exceptionally high standard. Janice also completed a vast amount of independent research and wider reading, despite the fact that she also had parental and grandparent responsibilities. She achieved her adult literacy and numeracy qualifications at Level 2 to meet university admission requirements.

As a result of her dedication, Janice was awarded distinction grades in all Level 3 units and particularly excelled in Applied Human Biology. Janice is now studying on the Adult Nursing programme at Northumbria University and is continuing to excel; she achieved 76% in her first piece of assessed work and is really enjoying the course. Janice serves as an inspiration to others and proof that it is never too late to re-enter education, pursue a change in career and achieve professional qualifications and status whatever your age.