Education through hardship: How one student completed her qualifications against the odds

Despite major challenges, graduate Jessica Collingwood completed her qualifications with ITC and Study From Home.

We often catch up with past students and graduates. We love hearing about how they’re going in the industry, and seeing their updates as they move into dream jobs meeting people, travelling, and learning.

But not all stories are about study then work.

Recently, we spoke to recent student Jessica Collingwood, and learned about how our famed flexible learning options weren’t just convenient, but made it possible for Jessica to graduate.

Her story shows how much ITC is here to help. We don’t set restrictions like so many education providers, but rather offer flexible alternatives for study, from our multiple campuses and online learning options, to part-time and full-time courses and four-day study week.

Our students are so much more than just a filled seat in a classroom or another name on an enrolment list, and we care about what happens both during and after the learning takes place.

Jessica Collingwood’s experience with ITC and Study From Home

“I studied at ITC doing the Level 4 Tourism certificate at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020.

Unfortunately, as I started at ITC my health turned for the worse, I was so committed to getting my certificate that I pushed myself to go to class even when I was clearly too unwell to be there. It then just got to the point where it was becoming impossible and I started missing so many classes. I was in and out of hospital a lot.

ITC were amazing and very accommodating. They suggested I change to ITC online (Study From Home). This was the best decision for me at the time. I did not want to give up.

I managed to continue studying while being unwell and I managed to finish and get my certificate. Then the pandemic hit and of course I had all those worries about getting my dream job as travel agent.

I decided it was a good time to get myself well again, spend quality time with family and explore our beautiful country.

I am now starting the process of looking for work again but I am focusing on getting some more experience behind me in jobs that will help me in the near future when the tourism industry picks up and travel agency jobs become available.

I will use this time to build on my strengths and learn new things. I know that when Covid sorts itself out and those borders open, the tourism industry will be booming and there will be so many jobs available. Over the last year New Zealand has become more recognised throughout the world during the pandemic and people are so eager to come and see our beautiful country.

If you enjoy tourism and want a career in the industry, then go for it!

To anyone wishing to take the leap into tourism; I would say use this time to study and get experience in jobs that will help you in some way or another for your future career. Let’s be ready for our tourism industry to busier than ever.”

Do you feel like distance learning could be for you? Get in touch with Study From Home to find out more about our flexible learning options and the qualifications you can earn by studying online.

Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/