A student from Stockport College has beaten off competition from other finalists to be named as the Association of Colleges’ Young Student of the Year.
Esha Mumtaz was recognised for her outstanding commitment to the local community after applying her studies in Health & Social Care to work at a local care home and volunteer at Trafford Hospital during Covid.
During her four years of studying GCSEs and her BTEC, Esha has taken on several extra-curricular roles, representing the College at open events as Student Ambassador, standing as Deputy Leader of campaign body, the Equalities Council and this academic year, Esha won the vote to become Student Governor of Stockport College and Trafford College, which are part of The Trafford College Group.
Esha said: “I still can’t believe it! The other finalists were such great candidates. I want to thank all of my mentors at College. I come from a background where girls do not get many opportunities to prove themselves. By winning this award I want to inspire girls out there, especially the ones that come from a similar place, that you are capable of great things. I’m so pleased to be able to have been able to make my College proud.”
Esha came to Stockport College in 2017 as a new arrival to the UK, overcoming cultural and language barriers to make remarkable progression, in confidence as well as ability.
CEO and College Group Principal James Scott said: “We are immensely proud of Esha and everything she has achieved since joining us from Pakistan. We are delighted to have been able to have been part of her journey and to have supported her in becoming an accomplished learner and confident public speaker.
“It is a privilege to count students like Esha among our student body and I would like to thank all the staff who have been part of her journey and supported Esha in winning this prestigious national award. A huge well done.”
The awards were announced at CollegesLive 2021 on Wednesday 24th February, which provided an enriching and formative online experience for college students to hear from game changers, innovators, survivors, and risk takers from across the globe.
President of the Association of Colleges, Sally Dicketts, said: “Each year the level of applications is extremely high, and it goes to show the fantastic work that students are doing in colleges as well as the lengths colleges go to support their students. It is particularly amazing to see the achievements in such a turbulent year and Esha Mumtaz has done amazingly well to come first and should be extremely proud.”
