Hometown: Newquay
Course: BSc (Hons) Applied Computing Technologies
Previously a Further Education student at Truro College, Caley studied a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology. University was not a pathway Caley had originally envisioned for herself, however discussions with others in her college course opened her mind to the possibility of studying at a Higher Education level.
“I met someone in my college course who let me know about the FdSc Computer Technology course at the University Centre and it changed my mindset”. Caley explained.
Caley knew she wanted to study locally and applied for both the University Centre and another university in Cornwall before deciding to study at the Centre: “The course at the University Centre covered everything I wanted to learn and allowed me to find out what I was good at and what I enjoyed.”
Although university life was at times a struggle for Caley due to disabilities impacting her ability to attend some of her lectures in person, Caley felt very supported by staff at the University Centre, particularly her lecturer Dave:
“My lecturer, Dave, was very helpful. I have a few disabilities that heavily impact how I move physically and that impact my brain too. I struggle to write and luckily my course didn’t involve much writing at all, and Dave transcribed everything for me as well. The support was always there when we needed it.”
Caley also found the small class sizes beneficial to her, explaining: “a lot of the time was 1-1 during the lessons, and the lecturer could go around the room probably twice during the lesson.
“My classes merged with the Cyber Security group a lot, and it was nice to share knowledge with them.”
The University Centre’s strong links with local employers allowed Caley to complete a work placement in her second year with web development company Solve, based in Newquay.
This extra support allowed Caley to flourish and after completing her two years on the FdSc Computer Technology degree, Caley progressed onto the BSc (Hons) Applied Computing Technologies top-up.
She also completed an online CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) course alongside her final year. To earn CCNA certification, Caley studied a broad range of fundamentals for IT careers, based on the latest networking technologies, security, and automation and programmability skills and job roles.
Caley’s hard work throughout the course paid off on Results Day, when she opened her envelope to see she had achieved a First Class Honours. Caley is also the first girl to complete this course at the University Centre.
Outside of her studies, Caley is currently a supervisor at a trampoline park in Newquay. She has also worked as a Student Ambassador for the University Centre, assisting with open days and other community events, as well as offering help to prospective and current students through one-to-one mentoring, tours, guidance, and registration.
