Morley student wins C&G Medals for Excellence Award
Medals for Excellence is a global programme that has been running for over 100 years which recognises the achievements of learners (and tutors) who produce exceptional work, or overcome the odds to achieve their goals.
Michaela first came to Morley after her husband was diagnosed with cancer, forcing him to end his successful music career and removing the family's main source of earnings. Michaela was also a professional musician, but with a young family to support she decided to retrain and turn her soft furnishings hobby into a business, to provide valuable income whilst also allowing her to work from home.
She initially enrolled on City & Guilds Level 2 course in Soft Fushishings, before progressing on to the Level 3 course which she successfully completed three years later. She then completed a City & Guilds Diploma in July 2011.
Tutor Dani Atkinson, who nominated her for the award, says: "Michaela has been an inspiration to her fellow students and to me throughout her time at Morley. Her determination to succeed has resulted in her producing consistently outstanding work.
"Her achievements over the last six years have been particularly commendable given the challenges life has presented her with. Throughout her studies she has faced considerable personal family difficulties, including serious ill health, money worries and an expanding family. She has also balanced her studies with other part-time work as a musician to support her household.
"Despite these challenges her ambition and determination have never faltered and she has continued to retain a positive outlook on her studies and the development of her new career. She is now in the process of launching her own business and is developing plans to run classes and workshops for children and adults, enabling her to pass on some of the many skills she has acquired."
Michaela says: “Winning the Medal for Excellence is, for me, beyond words. It represents all the highs and lows, and is a great way to thank all those who have helped me achieve this level of success. I don't consider myself anything special and hope my achievements will encourage anyone dealing with difficult circumstances that they can make positive steps to change their lives for themselves and those they love and care for.”
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has helped and supported me over the last six years and to Morley College who, despite difficult and challenging financial times, continue to provide these vital courses for people like me when a change in life’s circumstances presents itself”.
Michaela will received her Medal of Excellence from Ela Pitrowska, Principal of Morley College on Wednesday, and attended the City & Guilds Lion Awards ceremony for winners at the Roundhouse last night.
Comments (1)
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28 February 2012 @ 10:27Christine Stammers
Many, many congratulations, Michaela and may your business be very successful.