Maria is 21-years-old, lives in Lewisham, South-East London, and has 4 part-time jobs, including that of Student Ambassador at Ravensbourne.

Tell us about how you decided to study at Ravensbourne.
I went to a Secondary School in Deptford, and they were really encouraging about their students going on to Further Education, but it was hard to figure out what I wanted to do for a career. I liked to cook, so I took Catering, and decided to take Spanish, although after a few weeks I was already thinking “Why did I pick that?” I didn’t really know what I wanted.

When I left after my GCSEs, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’d always liked behind-the-scenes stuff about TV, so I started thinking about getting into that when I heard about a BTEC National Diploma Media course at Lewisham College. I didn’t want to travel far from home, so it was perfect.

While I was studying, I came to Ravensbourne for a Taster Day and really enjoyed it. One of the Diversity staff, Ian, organised another visit for me and my friend. He told us about the College’s move to Greenwich and how exciting that was going to be [in 2010 Ravensbourne is relocating to a purpose-built College next to The O2 Arena at Greenwich Peninsula], and gave us a tour of the Broadcasting studios. As soon as I saw them I was sold!

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your education so far?
I moved out of my parent’s house when I was 16 because I wanted independence and my own place. I got some financial help from the government, but it was sometimes hard juggling work with my education and my social life. I have loads of energy though, which helps!

At the moment I’m doing 3 jobs outside of College. My favourite is volunteering at a radio station for urban music (Choice 96.9 / 107.1). I also work at a local theatre in the café and bar, although I also get to help out with events and technical aspects like sound. It’s very community-based, which is great because you get to talk to lots of interesting people. There’s one elderly man Charlie who talks a lot about the war, he’s really nice and funny. I also work in a betting shop but I’d like to leave soon and do something else that’s related to my course. It’s been useful though, because I thought it would be difficult working with numbers all the time, but I’ve learnt it’s easy to do once you’re shown how.

My biggest challenge so far has been when I failed my first year of Broadcast Operations. I enjoy keeping myself busy and just had too many things on at once. I left all my assignments until the last minute, and I was really down when I failed. But I learnt my lesson and I’m now getting the work done early. I got loads of support from other students on my course, and I always feel I can ask the tutors for help. I’m really enjoying it now.

What are the most enjoyable things about studying at Ravensbourne?
At the moment I’m a Student Ambassador, which means I get to show students around on Taster Days and talk to them about what it’s like here. I get loads of encouragement from Nicky in the Diversity department to do workshops and career evenings. I like having the opportunity to speak to students who are in the same position I was in and don’t know what they want to do for a career. They might have their parents pushing them towards traditional subjects like Maths or Science, rather than creative courses like Media. I get to talk to them honestly about what it’s like. It’ll be great when the college relocates to Greenwich because the technology and equipment will be very hi-tech. It’ll be easier for me to get to as well, because I live in Lewisham!

I enjoy learning about new things, so when we learn about fun stuff on the course I like to go off and do my own research. At the moment we’re learning about interactive TV. This course has shown me that I have so many different things I’m interested in. I think my biggest challenge will be deciding what I want to do most for my career, since I can’t do them all! I think I’d most like to work on events, something in the media sector like music awards ceremonies. I love music, and people I work with at Choice radio station ask for my help in finding gigs and places for them to perform at. My friend is a singer, and I manage her at the moment. In the next 5 years I see myself starting my own business in events management.

I’ve had good support from my older sisters who are both at uni, one studying Politics and Psychology, the other studying Performing Arts – she wants to be an actress. I’m the guardian of my younger sister at the moment, who has moved in with me because she doesn’t get on very well with our mum. She’s just gotten 11 GCSEs at A to C grade, and I’m encouraging her to go to uni. At the moment she’s studying Politics, Psychology and Performing Arts, like our older sisters, and is part of two dance groups outside of school.

What advice would you have for young people wanting to take a broadcasting course at college or university?
My advice is make sure you’re determined and passionate about the subject because it’s a very competitive area. You have to be willing to put extra effort in and make a lot of contacts. Volunteer work is a great way of making contacts, and it’s fun too.

Another thing I’d say is don’t give up on education, keep at it throughout your career. Because I want to start my own business, the next thing I’ll be doing is an evening course to learn all about what I need to do to be successful.