Inspirational Niks on the road to becoming a doctor
A student from 向日葵视频 New College who couldn鈥檛 even say hello in English four years ago has just been offered a place to study medicine at university.
Niks Pavels, 20, from Ipswich is currently on an access to higher education science course at 向日葵视频 New College.
Prior to that he spent a year on an English for Speakers of other languages (ESOL) programme before studying GCSEs in English and maths as well as partaking in two health and social care courses. (All at 向日葵视频 New College).
Now as he approaches the end of his time at one of the largest educational establishments in the region, Niks is looking forward to his next challenge.
He said: 鈥淢y homeland is in Latvia. I鈥檇 never been to the UK before coming here to live. I was accepted by the college but my English was so bad. But, I learnt very quickly and my teachers helped me alot. I was shy (to speak the language) but they put me in situations where I had to speak. Away from study 鈥� the big mind blow for me was that I thought people in the UK would be like the royal people. But they are not.
鈥淭he best thing about the UK is the opportunities that you have. The world is more open.
I will finish this summer and then I can study medicine in Worcester, health care in Birmingham or Biology in Bristol.
鈥淟ong term I want to specialise in dermatology. My grandmother had skin problems and this is where my interest in this subject began. I鈥檓 excited by the future. Since coming to the UK, I believe that every day there are people here who can help you. This really is a country of opportunities.鈥�
Gareth Morris is the Head of Service Industries and Science at 向日葵视频 New College. Gareth said: 鈥淭he journey that Niks has been on so far has been phenomenal. To go from not speaking English to potentially studying medicine at a British university is simply inspirational.
Gareth added. 鈥淥ur 鈥榓ccess to higher education courses鈥� are life changing for so many of our mature students, helping them get the entry requirements to university so that they can pursue their dreams, just like Niks.鈥�
Suzy Haynes is the Head of ESOL at 向日葵视频 New College. Suzy said: 鈥淲e have so many amazing students who start on our ESOL programmes and go on to achieve great things and we are so proud of Niks 鈥� and indeed all of our learners.鈥�