Ashleigh’s Return to Education: Rebuilding Confidence and Pursuing a Future in Computing
“Going back into education as an adult can feel daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
Ashleigh Cahill, currently studying Access to Computer Science at MC Digital, shares her experience:
“I was apprehensive about attending college as a mature student after many years away from education, but my experience has been amazing. The support from both staff and classmates has made all the difference.
“MC Digital has a cosy, self-contained feel away from the main campus, yet the resources are fantastic. The tutors are friendly, welcoming, and truly go above and beyond to create a great learning experience!”
Ashleigh has supported the delivery of industry-led talks by inviting her professional contacts into college, including a visit from RJ Mical in September 2025, who travelled from California, USA.
As the Director of Games at Google America, RJ captivated our students with fascinating stories from his journey at PlayStation to programming and his work on the original Amiga consoles, where he co-developed the very first colour handheld game console.
“I arranged for my friend RJ Mical to visit Middlesbrough College as he’s a true games industry veteran, dating back to the 1980s and helping shape gaming it into what it is today.
“He was a key figure behind the Commodore Amiga, as well as working on consoles like the Atari Lynx and 3DO, and has contributed to companies including Williams Electronics, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Google.
“RJ has an inspiring story and a genuinely positive outlook on life. Coming from humble beginnings, he’s passionate about creating joy through what he does. I hoped that bringing him in would show students that those kinds of opportunities are out there for them too.”
Have you been out of education for a while and thinking about coming back? Whether you want to get into university or take the next step towards your dream career, now’s the time.
At Middlesbrough College, our Access to HE Diplomas are designed to help you get there. They open the door to a wide range of university courses and career opportunities, depending on your chosen subject.
If you’re ready to study for a degree but need the qualifications to get started, an Access to Higher Education Diploma could be the perfect route.