Meet NewVIc alumna Selina Brown as she reflects on her career in the NHS after completing her A Levels at NewVIc.

The former Cumberland Community School student joined NewVIc and completed A Levels in Psychology, Citizenship, English Literature and Sociology in 2008. She progressed on to an undergraduate degree at Goldsmiths, University of London to do a BA Sociology degree, then she went on to study a MSc Psychology conversion course at UEL. We caught up with Selina to find out a little more on her journey so far.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE NEWVIC?

I came to NewVIc because it offered the courses I was looking for. I did not even bother looking anywhere else – NewVIc offered everything I was looking for. The quality of teaching, the range of courses, being local and the facilities available to students, and the reputation for supporting students at all stages of their academic journey confirmed this college for me.

I remember coming to the Open Day with a friend and meeting some great teachers in the subject who made my choice easier. The teachers thought I would not do well at the beginning because my friend with me was teasing me and stating I was not a good student!

Sociology was one subject that was looked down upon at the time but you can get somewhere with it and it opens your mind to society and class and other social issues.

Tell us about your journey from NewVIc to where you are now?

After leaving NewVIc, I joined Goldsmiths, University of London where I studied a BA degree in Sociology.

After I graduated, I entered into a career with the NHS working across social work, forensics, mental health, administration. Whilst working across these areasI was inspired to study further and went onto UEL to pursue a degree in psychology, which I completed in the first Covid-19 lockdown. I now have the opportunity to pursue occupational psychology at UEL. I have been accepted onto this course and will start this coming September. I have a passion for helping and supporting the community in Newham. Newham is where I was born, live, study, work, and I want to give something back.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE POSITION THAT YOU ARE IN NOW?

Hard work, being resilient and not giving up has got me to where I am now. NewVIc gave me the knowledge and stepping stones to get into university and start my career journey. I am now looking to follow my passion in psychology and studying at UEL to get into occupational psychology. Whilst studying at University I am also working in a global recruitment company to support myself.

WHAT ARE YOUR FON MEMORIES OF NEWVIC?

I had the best time here. My fondest memory was the results day and achieving ABCC and having my offer accepted at Nottingham University to study Sociology. Unfortunately, due to health conditions, my journey took a different route and I had to defer for some time before going to Goldsmiths.

My other fond moment is spending time in the LRC with friends during lunch and breaks. I loved spending time here to study, catching up with friends in the Christian Union and getting my work done on time!

What is your advice for students considering NewVIc and pursuing a career YOU WENT INTO?

Go with what you are passionate about and do what you enjoy. Experience it for yourself. Make sure you try your best. It is not where you start that matters, it is where you will finish. You will end up on some great journeys; you have to believe in yourself.

How did you find the teaching at NewVIc? Did it prepare you for your next educational stepS?

The quality of teaching at NewVIc is different from university. I found teaching at college much better than at university. NewVIc lectures in comparison were delivered much better with more interaction and engagement, developing social skills. Teachers were there for you if you did not understand something.

How would you describe yourself before you came to NewVIc?

Before I came to NewVIc, I was very shy, timid and did not have self-belief. I was at NewVIc for two years and was amazed at what I achieved at the end of it. Anything is possible if you put in the work.

WhO IS THE MOST INSPRING PERSON YOU HAVE EVER MET?

The most inspiring person I know is my pastor at my local church. My pastor was supportive of education and encouraged me throughout my educational career. He was a role model and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. You just need someone to guide you and he was there for me. Moreover, my Christian faith has always helped and inspired me.

What IS NEXT FOR YOU IN YOUR Future?

As well as getting into occupational psychology when I complete my degree at UEL, I want to help raise the aspirations of young people through private tutoring. I love to share my knowledge and experience and inspire others who want to follow a career path in psychology and sociology.