Denisa Sandu

We caught up with A Level student Denisa Sandu, who recently moved to England from Romania and is coming to the end of her first year at Middlesbrough College.

She said: “Coming to the College was quite scary at first because it was a big change for me. I felt a little uncomfortable in such a new environment to begin with, but the staff and teachers at the College were so supportive and really helped me to settle in.

“The extracurricular activities and sports academies helped me to socialise and meet new people. I had played volleyball before and was so excited when I found out that Middlesbrough College had a Volleyball Academy. Joining the Academy has helped me to settle into life at College and make new friends.

“There’s lots you can do here outside of your studies which is great and very different to what I’ve experienced before. I study British Sign Language as part of my enrichment programme, which I think is useful.

“The facilities are also great here, there are lots of spaces to study or relax and hang out with friends. I particularly like the LRC, not only as a study space, but I also enjoy reading some of their books in my spare time. I also love the wellbeing rooms here, they’re so cosy and allow me to relax and destress.

“I originally came to Middlesbrough College because of the great location, and I didn’t really know much about the area beforehand, but I’m so glad that I did.

“I’m really enjoying my courses, particularly maths and chemistry because I like working with numbers. I struggle a bit more with biology, so I must work harder, but the studying has definitely paid off this year and I have managed to achieve the grades I wanted.

“After I finish College, it is my dream to go to Oxford University to study medicine. When I first came to the College I didn’t really consider that it would be an option for me as I never believed I was good enough to study medicine, but my teachers have been very supportive and have given me the confidence to believe in myself and chase my dream!”

Course: A Levels (Biology Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry)

Sports Academy: Volleyball