Just rewards for your hard work
4:05pm Monday 10th October 2011
HUNDREDS of students celebrated the fruits of their labour at Colchester Town Hall.
Colchester Institute’s ceremonies, held over two days in the Moot Hall, saw students receive certificates in front of friends, family and staff.
Honorary doctorates were also handed out to Royal portrait artist Richard Stone and composer Tansy Davies.
Danny Clough, the institute’s principal, said: “The graduation ceremonies are a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the hard work and effort that has been put in.
“We’ve had some excellent results this year and I look forward to congratulating them all.”
Among those celebrating their achievements were mature students Linda Malyon and Elaine Verrier who, along with their degrees, were both awarded Colchester Institute awards.
Mrs Malyon, 66, came to her degree after joining an art group several years ago in Halstead.
She said: “Someone said I could go further with it, so I went and did a national diploma and foundation year, and then my degree in fine art, specialising in fashion and textiles.
“I wish I had done it sooner but I loved every minute and my being older was never an issue.
“I was like the grandmother of the younger ones in the group and then there was another woman, 20 years younger than me, who was the mum.”
Mrs Malyon is working as a freelance fabrics and textiles designer.
Elaine Verrier, 49, who lives off Mersea Road, Colchester, enjoyed her experience so much, she has begun a masters degree in photography at London Metropolitan University. She said: “I just loved it so much I didn’t want it to end. Eventually I want to do exhibition photography but I realise it is very competitive.
“The finance side of it does worry me, but I have a part-time job that pays my bills and I would have to not be doing something creative now.”
Paula Van Straten, 23, from Colchester, walked straight into work after finishing her fine art degree, beating 30 other applicants to a job as an art technician at Colchester Sixth Form College.
She said: “I was worried about getting work when I finished my degree and the fact 30 other people applied for this one job shows why.
“I was over the moon to get it as it is ideal for me. I can still work on my art pieces and exhibit and work within an art department. I can also be paying off some of the debts, as well.”
Matthew Clarke, 21, of Lexden Road, Colchester, said he loved every minute of his three-year BA Hons degree but admits getting work will be tough.
Matthew, who had to produce a film, documentary and music video as part of his course, said: “My main aim is to get as much work experience as possible.
“I chose something I really loved doing and it did not really feel like that much hard work.”