Ruby Soufizaden started studying at EKC Ashford College in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. Joining the College on a Level 1 Employability Skills course, Ruby never saw her future journey coming as she leaves the College to study Law at University.
Having been homeschooled for six years, Ruby wasn’t used to being in full-time education, or being around lots of people, but she was determined not to let it hold her back and decided to join the College.
She explained: “Coming into a college environment was a really big step for me. I was so nervous on my first day.
“But honestly, as soon as I joined, I felt like I fitted in. Everyone was really friendly, and the atmosphere in the classroom was so welcoming.”
She originally studied the Level 1 Employability course at the College, to build a strong foundation for her future choices. She says that the support she gained gave her the confidence to speak to people, make friends, and feel part of college life.
When Ruby completed her employability course, she began to look for her next steps, and found it with the College once again, going on to study Beauty.
Ruby said: “I completed the course, but I realised it wasn’t really for me. I think sometimes you have to try things to work out what you actually enjoy.
“Even though it wasn’t my favourite subject, I still learned a lot from it and gained useful skills. Most importantly, it helped me figure out what direction I really wanted to take.”
Ruby’s perseverance kept her going, and before long she had decided to study Access to Higher Education.
EKC Ashford College’s Access to Higher Education course is designed to prepare learners for university, helping them transition from College to Higher Education.
It challenges learners to develop skills such as essay writing, research, and analysis, and is especially impactful for learners who are pivoting to a more academic subject.
Ruby’s choice to study the Access to Higher Education course came from an interest in Law.
She said: “For most of my childhood, I wanted to work in the police or become a detective.
“More recently, I started thinking about law as a career and realised it was something I was genuinely interested in learning more about.”
The Access to Higher Education course, and Ruby’s journey with EKC Ashford College, has been the key to unlocking her potential, and giving her the foundation with which to succeed as she prepares to study Law at university.
“When I was being homeschooled, I never imagined that I’d end up here,” she added.
“I always had career ambitions, but I didn’t necessarily see a clear path to achieving them.
“Coming to College changed that. It gave me qualifications, confidence, friendships, and a clear direction for the future.
“Now I’m getting ready to go to university and study Law, and that’s something I never thought I’d be saying a few years ago.”
Following her inspiring journey at College, Ruby is set to go to the University of Kent after the summer to begin her Law Degree.
Her journey with EKC Ashford College stands as a reminder that success doesn’t always have to follow the traditional route.
Ruby’s story is one of determination, and the confidence to pivot. Her triumph is a testament to her commitment, and the College’s support to get her there.
Learn more about Access to Higher Education at EKC Ashford College here.
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