A Level results 2010: Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College
Tuesday August 24, 2010
Ruth Harris
Ruth Harris, 23, from Ealing, is no stranger to academia, having already gained a degree in theology and religious studies from Bristol University.
But Ruth returned to study a chemistry A-Level at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, taking evening classes around her job as a healthcare assistant and completing the course in one year.
Speaking after receiving her C grade for the A-Level, Ruth said she now had the qualifications to study medicine at King’s College London.
“I’m relieved because this was a big pressure on my career choice, which is to become a doctor,” she said. “Doing A-levels again made me remember how tough they are but everything I learn now will be for my career.”
Many students will not get a degree place this year, despite getting the required grades. “It’s hard on them because there is such pressure on young people to get the grades,” she said.
Jack Montoya, 19, a B-tech student did not have the nervous walk to college experienced by many of his peers. The student, from Edgware Road, received a text at 6.30am from Brunel University confirming his offer to study for a sport, exercise and business degree this autumn, after receiving a distinction for his B-tech in sport science.
“I worked hard and I lived in the library so I’m happy with the results and I’m glad it paid off,” he said. Jack said the university had offered him accommodation on campus.
“I’m looking forward to a different experience, some independence and being surrounded by cool people,” he said.
“One day I would like to start my own business, but before that I would like to do some sports coaching and personal training. I’m the first one in the family to get into university.”
Tugce Ozcam, 18, could be representing the UK’s diplomatic interests one day, if her career dreams come true. Tugce, from Enfield, received A*s in English and government and politics as well as an A in history.
“I haven’t slept much recently as I’ve been up till 3am, working and colour coding everything,” she said. “I was ill during the actual exams with severe anaemia so this is far more than I hoped for.”
Tugce is going to Durham University this autumn to study politics and international relations.
“I’m looking forward to studying Middle East politics and being closer to my mum, who lives in Cumbria,” she said. “I would like to be a diplomat one day or, if not, work for a humanitarian organisation like Amnesty.”
The student said she would be celebrating with friends but that today was her dad’s birthday. “I told him my results and he said he didn’t need a birthday present because I’d given it to him,” she said.
