Fathia is celebrating an outstanding D*D*D in her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business after two years at Itchen College, where she developed not only her knowledge and skills but also the confidence and independence to take her next step.
When Fathia started at Itchen, she thought university would be her next step. During her time at College, however, her plans changed, and she realised that moving into employment was the right direction for her.
Rather than seeing that change as a setback, Fathia has embraced the opportunity to explore what comes next.
Having gained a diverse range of knowledge and skills through her Business course, she is now looking forward to entering the real world and exploring opportunities that will allow her to continue learning.
Her outstanding D*D*D result is a reflection of the work she has put into her studies, but Fathia says that one of the things she is most proud of is something much more personal: learning to believe in herself.
“One thing I’m most proud of throughout my two years of studies is learning to believe in myself when everything seems so challenging.”
During her time at Itchen, Fathia says there were moments when she had to step outside her comfort zone, adapt to new environments and make difficult decisions. Rather than allowing uncertainty to hold her back, she continued to push herself and grow.
Those experiences have helped shape the person she is today.
“Each moments have made me who I am today: Confident and independent.”
Fathia also credits the people who supported her throughout her time at Itchen. In particular, she would like to thank her tutor Maria Sparks, who she says provided her with a great deal of advice and guidance. She also recognises the support and knowledge provided by her other course teachers.
That support, alongside the challenges she faced and the opportunities she took, has helped Fathia develop a clearer understanding of herself and the direction she wants to take.
Her journey is a reminder that finding your future doesn’t always mean following the plan you had when you first started college. Sometimes, discovering the right path means being willing to adapt, make difficult decisions and step outside your comfort zone.
For Fathia, that has meant moving away from her original university plans and towards employment — while taking with her the confidence, independence and skills she has developed at Itchen.
Her advice to anyone who might be worried about changing their plans or not knowing exactly what comes next is powerful:
“As long as it isn’t the end, you aren’t a failure yet.”
From achieving an outstanding D*D*D to developing the confidence to make decisions about her own future, Fathia is leaving Itchen ready to take on her next chapter.
