“I did A levels in ICT, Applied Science and Media Studies at school but when I didn’t do well, decided to take a year out as I wasn’t really sure what to do next,” she said.
During the year out, Amy worked as a carer in the dementia unit of a local nursing home.
She continued: “At the back of my head, I’d always thought about nursing so this was an ideal opportunity to get some good practical experience in a caring environment.
“Working there really helped sharpen my focus and made me determined to become a nurse.”
Amy admits that after her disappointing A level results, getting a triple Distinction* - the equivalent of three A*s at A level – was all the sweeter and a great boost to her confidence as she sets off for university.
“It shows that hard work and commitment really do pay off. When I was doing my A levels, I didn’t have the same focus, but once I decided to work towards my goal of becoming a nurse, I was really concentrated on doing well.”
Speaking from her own personal experience, she added that BTEC was a much better option than A levels.
“For anyone thinking of doing a vocational course like nursing, the BTEC Level 3 is such a good preparation and I’d recommend it 100%.”
Although students across Northern Ireland struggled to complete their coursework because of COVID-19, Amy was so determined to do well that she’d already completed all coursework completed before the lockdown.
Throughout her two years at the College, Amy continued to work in the nursing home and said the two roles complemented each other perfectly.
“I could see the relevance of what we were doing in class and then apply what I was learning to the workplace.”
Jacqui McAllister, co-ordinator of BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care at Newtownabbey said Amy is to be commended for her “tireless commitment to her studies.”
“Amy was a highly respected member of her year group and worked diligently to elevate the student experience throughout the virtual teaching period. She demonstrated resilience and compassion under pressure and went far beyond the expected remit of her role as a class rep on the programme with extraordinary kindness and adaptability and I wish her well in her nursing career.”