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Nicola Poole

November 25, 2021
Nicola Poole

After starting a family at 16, Nicola returned to education as a mature student to fulfil her career dream of working in the tourism sector. As well as being a busy mum to four children, Nicola owns her own cleaning business called ‘Flash clean’ and studies her university course part time at Middlesbrough College.

Nicola said: “After having my family I wanted to do something for me. I want to show people that life isn’t over when you start a family and that you should never give up on your dreams. I want my children to be proud of me for following my passion.

“Coming to study at Middlesbrough College is one of the best things I’ve ever done! I’ve progressed from Level 1 study right up to degree level study here, which is amazing.

“I first came to Middlesbrough College in 1996 to study a Level 1 Business and Admin programme and then returned to study the Retrain to Travel course to pursue my passion for the tourism and hospitality sector.

“I’ve had a brilliant time studying at Middlesbrough College! After completing my retrain course, I was offered a place on the foundation degree in Travel & Tourism and now I’m studying for the top-up BA (Hons) Tourism Management degree.

“It’s never too late to do something for you and coming to study travel at Middlesbrough College is something I always wanted to do. I absolutely love going on holiday and finding holiday deals for friends and family and it’s fantastic knowing that I’m gaining the skills needed to work in that industry.

“The tutor support I have received on this course has been outstanding; they will do anything to help you.  My journey has been challenging as I have come back into education later in life, but my advice to anyone who is thinking about doing it is to go for it! Balancing family life and owing a successful business has been challenging whilst studying for my degree but it’s all been worth it.

“My dream job when I was younger was to work as Cabin Crew on an airline and now I’m one step closer to working in the industry which is incredibly exciting.”

Find out more about our Higher Education courses here

Course: BA (Hons) Tourism Management