Part of the Etc.
Choosing to study beauty therapy at Stockton Riverside College has proven a tonic for Jenni.
Despite facing a constant health battle, the 18-year-old has found inspiration in her lessons.
Happy to share her story, she hopes to bring optimism to those who may be struggling with a similar condition. She said: “There was a time I never imagined that coming to college would be possible.”
Diagnosed with tachycardia in 2012 (an abnormally fast resting heart rate), closely followed by chronic fatigue syndrome in 2013, Jenni was left struggling with the demands of everyday life.
Using a wheelchair to help her get about and missing time from school, it all came as a bitter blow.
Battling with anxiety and depression, it got to a stage where she felt unable to leave the house.
“In those days I couldn’t have even imagined going to college,” she said.
“I remember dreaming about having a normal life and being like everyone else, having a job and being able to contribute to society.
“The fact that I will be able to do that now is really mind blowing.”
Further health complications saw Jenni diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (a heart condition known as POTS), fibromyalgia and hypermobility – but despite it all she would go on to find respite in college life.
Visiting a college open event she was inspired to sign up for a Beauty Therapy Level 1 course. It has proven life changing.
She said: “Being in college seemed to help me make really good progress with my confidence and be more independent.
“The tutors and staff are amazing, always making sure that I’m okay and they are so understanding and patient with me. And I am lucky because I have amazing friends.”
Discovering an enthusiasm for the subject, Jenni has now successfully completed both the level 1 and level 2 Beauty Therapy courses and is currently studying towards the level 3.
With ambitions to travel the world, discovering new beauty treatments, and eventually going on to open her own business – both things that once seemed out of her reach - she said: “I am genuinely so passionate about beauty, I can’t wait to start work.
“It is exciting that I am getting closer to having a career.”
While it hasn’t always been easy, she said: “I have had a good life so far and I wouldn’t want to change anything, it has made me the person I am today.”
She added: “The college has given me so many opportunities that in my early teens I couldn’t have even imagined.”
Want to know more about the fantastic range of Beauty Therapy courses available at Stockton Riverside College? Visit www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/beauty-therapy/ for details.
Despite facing a constant health battle, the 18-year-old has found inspiration in her lessons.
Happy to share her story, she hopes to bring optimism to those who may be struggling with a similar condition. She said: “There was a time I never imagined that coming to college would be possible.”Diagnosed with tachycardia in 2012 (an abnormally fast resting heart rate), closely followed by chronic fatigue syndrome in 2013, Jenni was left struggling with the demands of everyday life.
Using a wheelchair to help her get about and missing time from school, it all came as a bitter blow.
Battling with anxiety and depression, it got to a stage where she felt unable to leave the house.
“In those days I couldn’t have even imagined going to college,” she said.
“I remember dreaming about having a normal life and being like everyone else, having a job and being able to contribute to society.
“The fact that I will be able to do that now is really mind blowing.”
Further health complications saw Jenni diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (a heart condition known as POTS), fibromyalgia and hypermobility – but despite it all she would go on to find respite in college life.
Visiting a college open event she was inspired to sign up for a Beauty Therapy Level 1 course. It has proven life changing.
She said: “Being in college seemed to help me make really good progress with my confidence and be more independent.
“The tutors and staff are amazing, always making sure that I’m okay and they are so understanding and patient with me. And I am lucky because I have amazing friends.”
Discovering an enthusiasm for the subject, Jenni has now successfully completed both the level 1 and level 2 Beauty Therapy courses and is currently studying towards the level 3.
With ambitions to travel the world, discovering new beauty treatments, and eventually going on to open her own business – both things that once seemed out of her reach - she said: “I am genuinely so passionate about beauty, I can’t wait to start work.
“It is exciting that I am getting closer to having a career.”
While it hasn’t always been easy, she said: “I have had a good life so far and I wouldn’t want to change anything, it has made me the person I am today.”
She added: “The college has given me so many opportunities that in my early teens I couldn’t have even imagined.”
Want to know more about the fantastic range of Beauty Therapy courses available at Stockton Riverside College? Visit www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/beauty-therapy/ for details.
