Leslie overcomes the odds to inspire others!
30/07/2010
Lesley receives a certificate from Chair of the Corporation John Peel, in recognition of his achievements.
Twenty-one-year-old Leslie Edwards, from Pound Hill, is one of Central Sussex College's most inspirational success stories. The former Deerswood and Manor Green school student overcame learning difficulties to be elected President of the Student Executive at the College, and in the wider community an active campaigner for youth issues in Crawley. After five years studying at the Crawley campus, he has successfully completed his BTEC Diploma course, and will be joining the world of full-time employment this summer.
Having started his College career in 2005, in the Faculty of Foundation Learning, studying on the Extended Education Programme, Leslie has progressed through a variety of courses. After completing the Extended Education programme, he enrolled on a Vocational Skills course, getting to grips with the basics of building, mechanics, welding and fabrication, but it was the sports element of the course which he loved. Pursuing his passion, Lesley went on to complete his BTEC Introductory Diploma in Sport and Leisure in 2009, and latterly his BTEC First Diploma in Sport, which he completed this June.
In addition to his academic achievements, Lesley has made a valuable contribution to student life at the College. He first got involved with the Student Executive in 2005, and by 2006 he was elected Sports Executive - arranging, staffing and promoting sporting activities at the Crawley campus. In 2008 he was elected President of the Student Executive, and in this role, regularly represented Crawley students at College-wide groups and meetings, ensuring that the students voice was heard.
Outside of College, he has shown tremendous dedication to community youth projects, and has been a member of the Crawley Young Persons Council, where he was involved in implementing the widely used 3-in-1 card. Leslie, who admits he "likes to keep busy", divides his leisure time between voluntary youth work at the youth wings of three local secondary schools, paid work for 'The Friday Club' which is the only social club for deaf and hearing impaired young people in the county, and as a detached youth worker, in Bewbush, which sees him working with young people in their own environments. He also finds time to present a regular slot on Crawley Hospital Radio, which he describes as his "escape"!
Leslie's dedication to the College, and to youth services in the town, has not gone unrecognised. At the last Corporation meeting before the summer break, Leslie was presented with a framed certificate from the College, in recognition of his contribution. Chair of the Central Sussex College Corporation, John Peel said "I interviewed Leslie earlier this year, and heard of the struggles he had had with his early learning. He said at the time "when I was 8, I could hardly string three words together". Well, he has overcome his difficulties and for the last three years represented the Central Sussex College student body to the Corporation magnificently. He is always willing to give the student perspective, and does so eloquently. I wish him good luck with the rest of his life - if he puts as much energy into it as he has with Corporation, the world will be a better place."
As much as summer 2010 marks the end of an era for Leslie, and for the College, he is optimistic for the future and hopes to pursue a full-time career in youth work. He also hopes to stay in contact with the many friends he has made at the College over the years. He says "Over the last five years, the College has helped me to develop into the person that I am now, and I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff and students that I have come to call my friends. On a personal level, for me to go from below Level 1, to come through and complete a full Level 2 course in my chosen subject is a real achievement, and a great testament to all the brilliant teaching staff at Central Sussex College."
College Principal Dr Russell Strutt thanked Leslie for his dedication and commitment to, saying "Leslie is a wonderful role model for other students - he has shown that as a young person you can do it! It is possible with determination and personal ambition to significantly improve your life chances. He has been a courageous representative for students on the College Corporation. He has carried out a daunting role with great aplomb and ensured that students' views have been strongly put forward. We will miss Leslie's presence around the College, we are very proud of him and wish him much success in his future."
