Roxy Hale, a former Cardiff and Vale College Access to Health Sciences learner, has won Agored Cymru’s nation-wide Access to Higher Education Learner of the Year Award for Outstanding Commitment to Study.
Returning to education in 2021 after a ten-year gap, Roxy enrolled at CAVC on an Access to Further Studies course. Not only did she have to adjust to being back in education, Covid restrictions at the time meant Roxy also had to adapt a new, hybrid way of learning.
Despite lockdowns and online classes, Roxy was determined to complete the course and gain the GCSEs required to progress on to an Access to Higher Education course, which she did in 2023.
Roxy faced and overcame many challenges throughout her time at the College, always persevering, and achieved her Access to Health Science diploma. She always showed up with genuine enthusiasm, wanting to improve her prospects and achieve something for herself and her children. Roxy is now studying Biomedical Science at the University of South Wales.
“I felt so shocked that I had won an award and it made me so proud of myself,” Roxy said. “I loved being at the College – I made new friends and learned a lot from my experience.”
Roxy said she found the support of her peers and tutors helped her throughout the course, even when things “seemed impossible”.
“I was so nervous about getting back into education but as soon as I got back into the swing of making time for study it became part of my routine,” she said. “Getting back into education was one of the best decisions I’ve made – I’m now one step closer to my ideal job of working in a lab and making and trialling drugs.”
Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education Manager Victor Morgan said: “Agored Cymru were delighted to present Roxy with the Access to HE Learner of the Year Award for Outstanding Commitment to Study. The combination of her resilience and academic ability led to her successfully completing the Agored Cymru Access to HE Diploma in Health Sciences and progressing on to Higher Education.
“She has demonstrated how an Access to HE course, despite the intensity of its academic demands, can facilitate opportunities for individuals to truly realise their potential and fulfil their aspirations. We are incredibly proud of Roxy and congratulate her on her achievement. We wish her the very best in her current and future studies and the career path that she has chosen.”
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said: “Congratulations to Roxy for winning this prestigious Agored Cymru Access to Higher Education Learner of the Year Award.
“At CAVC we are passionate about ensuring individuals can gain the right qualifications and develop the skills they need to progress, elevate or change their career. Roxy is a shining example of a learner who has applied themselves, worked hard and with the right support fulfilled their aspirations – she truly deserves this award.”