Outstanding student surprised by her own success

Wintec graduate Emma Powell surpassed her own expectations graduating as top all-round student in nanny education.

Powell, 22, graduated this week with a Certificate in Nanny Education from Wintec.

She received the outstanding student award for being the top all-round student of her course.

“The award is based on grades and overall awesomeness regarding study,” said Wintec nanny programme co-ordinator Anne Carter.

Powell has a learning disorder similar to dyslexia, which makes her success all the sweeter.

She dedicated herself to succeeding by going to Student Learning Services at least once a week.

“My aim was just passing, I’m really surprised because I just wanted to get over 50 [percent],” said Powell.

She successfully completed five practical placements, and was offered paid employment from all of them.

None of Powell’s classmates knew of her learning disorder as she did not want to be treated differently.

“I just wanted to get on with it,” she said.

Powell said she changed her attitude about her disorder and began to see it as more of a challenge to overcome.

She said she especially wanted to thank everyone that helped her.

“I couldn’t have done this without the help of student learning services and my tutors.”