Amelia Harrison, who has just turned 17, is a current year 1 level 3 sport student, studying at the Longbridge (Bournville College) campus.
The college caught up with Amelia during the spring half-term to talk to her about her experiences studying with South & City College Birmingham and the upcoming national cross-country competition the college is supporting her with.
After attending a college Open Day, speaking to tutors and finding the college so friendly and welcoming, Amelia decided it was worth taking the two trains and one bus from Walsall to study with South & City College.
When asked about her time on the course so far Amelia said, “I didn’t enjoy school very much and I really enjoy the freedom of college and feel like I am flourishing. I have absolutely nothing to moan about. There are great facilities, the tutors and fellow students are a great bunch, and my grades are looking good too. The tutors make everything understandable and are supportive and approachable.”
She gets to play sports every week in the college hall, whether this is badminton, netball, football, or basketball. Basketball is her favourite sport, however, running is her passion. Amelia is a serious long-distance runner and regularly competes across the country with Tipton Harriers. Her training sees her out running five to six days a week and clocking up some 30 to 35 miles.
Darren Hunter, Head of School for Sport & Public Services said, “Since joining the Sports Department last September, Amelia has gone from strength to strength in both her academic work and sporting achievements. Amelia is an integral part of the college netball team and has shown she has a natural talent for this sport alongside her passion for running. Amelia is well-liked amongst her peers and tutors, and she has been actively involved in multiple projects we have set up to raise money for charities alongside her studies. We wish her success in her upcoming event.”
Her next major competition is in the middle of March, down in Kent. South & City are paying for her sports kit as a way of supporting Amelia’s participation in competitions. The cross-country race is two and a half miles long and she hopes to run at a 5 or 6-minute mile pace.
After completing her level 3 course, Amelia is planning to continue her study at Loughborough University to study the psychology of sport or to train to become a physio. Her heart is set on Loughborough as she is already familiar with the campus due to competing in races there.
Amelia’s ultimate ambition is to become a professional long-distance runner; however, her plan B is to become a physio within the NHS.
The college wishes Amelia all the best in all her competitions and continued success with her course and future plans.
South & City College offers Level 1 and 2 Sports courses at both the Bordesley Green and Longbridge (Bournville College) campuses.