Hi, I’m Lee, and I’d love to share a bit about my journey with MidKent College, it started way back in 1982 and continues to this day!
When I first arrived at the Maidstone Campus, I didn’t have much confidence and had only a couple of O-Levels to my name. I studied Commerce and General Studies at O-Level, and English and History at A-Level. Looking back, I wish I’d put in a bit more work, as my results weren’t exactly amazing, but honestly, my time at MidKent gave me so much more than grades ever could.
I remember my tutors so fondly. Things were a bit more formal back then, we still called them “Mr” or “Miss”, but they truly cared about us, and that hasn’t changed. Their support helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I made amazing friends, had a brilliant social life, and most importantly, I found my confidence.
The campus looked very different in those days! There was no UCM building - just the tower, some porta cabins, a big refectory, and a sports hall where the central car park is now. We had a football pitch, and I remember us girls would go and cheer the boys on. Rag Week was always a laugh - I even went busking in town dressed as a fairy tale character with two friends! We sang “The Streets of London” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” like no one ever has before or since! I think I still have the newspaper clipping at home to prove it!
Those years at college were genuinely some of the best of my life, and I’m still in touch with several friends I made back then. In fact, I met my husband through the very first friend I made at college in 1982!
Since leaving MidKent, I’ve had a really varied career, banking, nursing, childcare, fostering, and primary school teaching. But without a doubt, my favourite job has been returning to work here at the Maidstone Campus, in the Foundation Department. From the moment I came back, I felt like I was home. The students and my team are just amazing, and I’m so proud to be part of it.
Even better, my son is also a MidKent College alumni. He had a fantastic experience on the art course at Maidstone and is now training to be an art teacher, thanks to the inspiration and encouragement of his own MidKent tutor.
MidKent College played such an important part in my life. It gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, and a career I love. I couldn’t be more grateful.
