Thomas Allen was celebrating starting a new job and receiving a major award alongside graduating with a BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management from Loughborough College this week.
After being awarded his graduation certificate the 22 year old was invited back onto the stage to receive the Degree Student of the Year award – and all only a day after taking up a coveted position with Britain’s biggest hotel chain.
Thomas is thrilled to have landed a place on the graduate scheme in Operations for hotel chain Premier Inn but admits he is sad to say goodbye to Loughborough College.
“I’d not been particularly enthusiastic about academics at school – the most likely thing I’d use a text book for was as a coaster. But Loughborough College helped me enjoy studying for my degree from the word go and to believe I was capable of achieving big things.
“I was nervous at first but was really made to feel welcome by the team at the College. I could just relax and be myself and that put me in the right frame of mind to challenge myself.
“I found some amazing role models who helped me balance the academic side of things with my part-time job and social life and in the process I felt as if I really found out about myself.
“The College were also great at advising me on my career options and that information was useful in helping me focus on the direction I wanted to take.
“I feel proud to be graduating and really excited about securing the new position but I also think I’ll be having a little cry that my education and Loughborough College is coming to an end. My life’s changed so much and I have the College to thank for that.”