Chloe Bailey-Howlett: ‘If it hadn’t been for the support I had from the university, I don’t think I’d have completed my degree’

Dr Nikos Savvas with Chloe Bailey-Howlett

Chloe Bailey-Howlett, 22 from Newmarket passed a degree in Early Childhood Studies, gaining a first class honours degree.

“I left school and I’ve now been with West Suffolk College and the Eastern Education Group for six years.

“Leaving school was the best thing I could have done. College was so different and everyone was so supportive.

“I feel like I’ve grown since I’ve been here. As part of the course we have to get work placements and I’ve managed a job to get at the place where I trained.

“Overall, I’ve enjoyed it at the college but it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had mental health issues, struggled with anxiety, had depression and battled an eating disorder. But being in the college environment has been amazing. There was never a moment where you felt you couldn’t talk to anyone.

“Without the support of tutors and people on my course, I don’t think I would have completed my degree.

“But I did, I got top marks, won an outstanding achievement award and I came out with a great group of friends.

“After all the effort, to graduate in front of my mum and best friend was a special moment.”

Peter Howlett with his daughter - award winner Chloe Bailey-Howlett - Chloe won an outstanding achievement award