ACCOUNTING DEGREE HOME

This is my parking permit for Washington Bible College. I got accepted. I'm going to be studying Youth Ministry so I can be able to be a Youth Pastor. This weekend I get to move in my dorm room and do orientation weekend.

This whole thing has really been a true blessing in my life. Literally like three or two days before I got my phone call I had asked people via Facebook to pray that I would get accepted.

This wasn't always my plan. Originally I wanted to end up going to the University of Maryland over in College Park. I had planned to major in Creative Writing, so that I could write my own books. But as time went on I realized i didn't want to have to listen to professors tell me how to write what I wanted to in order to get my degree, because I have my own writing style and I don't want anyone messing with that. So I went through a variety of degrees like culinary. People had always told me one thing I could do easily was relate to all kinds of people and they thought I would be great as a Youth Pastor. If someone had told me years ago I'd be getting ready to go into Bible College and get my degree in Youth Ministry I'd look at them like they were crazy. And now here I am.

I could never have gotten here without God and my family, and friends and my life experiences. I especially have to thank a person who meant a lot to me, and for this reason I owe a lot to this person, if I ever see them again I'm going to give them the biggest thank you. This person was a friend of mine called Caroline, she witnessed the gospel, shared her faith actively, and talked with me about the Bible, as well as her helping me and giving me advice. Through her words and her actions she showed God's love. I don't know what would have happened if that hadn't happened. I may still be an Atheist and not going off to Bible College.

Jeremiah 29: 11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

STARTING a new business is always a nerve-wracking experience but for kitchen supplier Peter Brett, a lifelong commitment to gaining new skills will be key to his success.

Peter, 45, decided to set up his own business designing, supplying and fitting kitchens after completing his Level 3 in management and leadership at West Cheshire College.

He said: “I was working for a kitchen supply company at the time but wanted to enhance my own skills. I did the GCSE at the College and then the Level 3 which gave me the confidence to set out on my own.

“Once you’ve proved to yourself you can learn new skills you can do anything. I would not have had the nerve without the training.”

Peter, who lives in Ellesmere Port and whose business Salamo Kitchens is based in Christleton, is a joiner by trade after becoming an Apprentice straight from school with a local building firm.

He subsequently went in to marketing and kitchen supply – and even found time to study for a theology degree after taking an access to education course at the College.

He said: “Learning new skills is vital. It gives you the power to do anything you want. While a theology degree isn’t an obvious career route, I was able to prove to myself I was capable of that level of achievement.

“Management and leadership was something I became interested while working for a large organisation and through studying for that I realised that I could set up and run my own business.

“I’ve had a long relationship with the College which has been able to provide all the different training and learning I need and I would recommend anyone looking for a change of direction to think about taking a course.

“Life is constantly changing and constantly challenging. Learning new skills is the best way to prepare for change and meet new challenges head on.”

For more information on learning opportunities at West Cheshire College, whatever your age, contact the College Hotline on 01244 670600.