Jordan battles back to scoop top award
A BECCLES teenager who overcame depression and her low self-esteem to pursue her ambition to help others has been chosen as this year's Lowestoft College Student of the Year.
A BECCLES teenager who overcame depression and her low self-esteem to pursue her ambition to help others has been chosen as this year's Lowestoft College Student of the Year.
Jordan Shimmon, 18, of Banham Road, received the award from Lowestoft Journal editor Max Bennett at a ceremony last week at the Hotel Victoria, Lowestoft.
Jordan was nominated for the award by her tutors after turning her life around.
After suffering from depression and a lack of confidence, she enrolled on the college's Princes Trust Programme and the joined its Entry to Employment Group to learn more.
You may also want to watch:
She exceeded expectations, proving to be an excellent and enthusiastic learner who has been willing to volunteer and assist fellow students. She now hopes to join a full-time course in September and wants to go on to work in social care or healthcare in a role where she can help others.
Jordan said she was surprised but very proud to receive her award.
Most Read
- 1 Tributes to much-loved Laura, 28, after Covid death
- 2 Touching tributes paid to 'great teacher and lovely man'
- 3 Restaurant fined for refusing to close in third lockdown
- 4 Woman in her 20s among 31 Covid patients to die in five days at hospital
- 5 'We're very anxious at the moment': Co-Op staff on public abuse
- 6 People in 'next priority' groups to receive covid jabs in coastal town
- 7 Harleston funeral service celebrates 10th anniversary
- 8 'Anti-social rider' has quadbike seized in the snow
- 9 Roundabout memorial bid for the 'Ole Chicken Man of Bungay'
- 10 'Beccles Mafia' reported to police for harassing elderly shoppers
“I was so shocked. I heard them saying all those nice things about the winning student and though 'oh well that can't be then' and then they said my name! I couldn't believe it,” she said.
“Before I started my course I'd had a breakdown and was virtually housebound. It's made such a difference to me. Hopefully others will see this and think that if I can do it, they can too.”
The ninth annual Celebration of Achievement Awards also honoured 19 other students who were all chosen as finalists after being nominated by their tutors.
They received certificates and prizes at the ceremony, attended by friends, family, tutors and local VIPs.
This year's guest speaker was college principal Gwen Parsons who retires next month. She was thanked for her hard work and inspirational leadership during her eight years at the college.
