Tilly Murphy

I chose Beauty Therapy because I went to sixth form, but really didn’t like it, it wasn’t for me. I came for an induction day at MidKent College and I thought that I would really like Beauty Therapy as I’ve always enjoyed that type of thing.

So far we have learnt about manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, and eye treatments. My favourite part so far has been the practical stuff where we get to do gels and manicures on each other. The more practice you get the better you get at it.

In the theory lessons, we learn about the bones of the hand, the function of the blood, the function of the lymph, the layers of the skin and nails. It’s not as easy as people think, it’s actually really involved!

After this, I’d like to do the level 3 and then do an acrylic nail course and then work in a salon. Once I’ve built up my reputation I’d like to go mobile.

I’m doing work experience at the moment in a salon in Gillingham. I answer the phone, clean the floors, but I am also starting to do things like soaking off gels.

My mum was fine about me coming to College, she wanted me to enjoy what I was doing. If I’m doing something I like I’m going to want to do the work.

At first my dad was a bit hesitant, as I had wanted to go off and be a lawyer. Once he realised how much there was to the study programme, he was fine. 

I chose MidKent College as it’s my local college. When I first came, I was a bit apprehensive as I was late joining, but everyone was really nice and now I have my own group of friends. I enjoy coming to College every day, I didn’t enjoy going to sixth form.

I would recommend the study programme as you can be really creative and it gives you independence. You get to work on outside clients that you don’t know for your graded assessments. At first I was worried but once you get past that initial worry, you’re fine.

They teach you completely how to deal with certain circumstances so you’re ready and prepared. It gives you a lot of confidence.