Cara’s story
Cara is currently in her fifth and final year studying animal management at Capel Manor College, and she will progress her education at university.
“I was home-educated up until the age of fourteen, conducting self-study and attending various activity groups and educational trips with other home-educated young people. I always knew what I wanted to study. I found my love of animals at a young age by watching nature documentaries, and I pursued learning about them ever since.
Capel Manor College was an obvious choice at first because it was very easy to travel to and it was the closest place to me that offered animal courses. However, the decision to study at the College was cemented after I attended an open day, seeing the site and animals, and meeting the staff who were all incredibly welcoming.
All of the courses I completed at the College have been full of interesting information and taught in a style that has been both fun and easy to follow. I have gained a great amount of knowledge and experience, and I have learned about animals and their environments in great depth, from the way they behave to how their bodies are made.
There is no doubt in my mind that my time at Capel Manor College made me the person I am today. The staff that taught me and supported me over the years were some of the best people I have ever met; their kindness and patience never failed to amaze me.
Not only have I become a much better student, but I have also become a stronger and happier person in general. When I first came to the College, I was incredibly shy and did not participate much in class, but the staff worked with me personally, slowly helping me to build my confidence and make my voice heard. Now, five years later, I have been a peer mentor, award winner, class representative, society leader and student governor. There was a time when I barely had the courage to raise my voice for the register, but now I can speak publicly about things that are important to me, and I am proud of that.
I am currently finishing my fifth and final year at Capel Manor College whilst volunteering with Blue Cross, which I will continue to do into my gap year, until I take up my unconditional offer to study a BSc in Zoo Biology at university. In the future, I would like to obtain a master’s degree in Animal Behaviour and work in animal behaviour for some time. My dream is to be a team leader teaching animal management at a land-based college like Capel Manor College.
Choosing a college can be a confusing and even stressful time, but in five years, through all the ups and downs, I never once regretted my decision to join Capel Manor College. If you love animals and want a life-changing learning experience, Capel Manor College is the place for you.”
