Described as ‘an exceptionally well-rounded student’, Georgina Green, winner of our 2020 Land Based Student of the Year Award, is driven by her passion for animal welfare. Georgina was nominated for the award by Mrs Sue Harvey, the Curriculum Manager for Animal Management at Riseholme College in Lincoln, who describes how with a strong work ethic and a determination to achieve, Georgina has been awarded the highest grades in all her subject areas, as well as undertaking additional qualifications as part of her programme of study. She has also successfully completed numerous work experience placements to support her career aspirations, receiving amazing feedback from her placement providers. 

“Georgina has used her knowledge, understanding and college experiences to develop her own confidence, not only in handling a wide variety of species, but also in her communication skills. Over the last two years, Georgina has been proactive in making the most of what the college has to offer, through accessing tutor support and guidance appropriately, resulting in a professional approach to representing the college at a wide range of public events as well as supporting her peers and students who are new to the college. Georgina is reliable and conscientious in her work and role as student ambassador,” says Sue. 

As a student ambassador, Georgina is the public face of the course, assisting at events, giving campus tours to prospective students and parents and answering any questions they may have. (“No question is too hard, she is approachable and puts new students as ease.”) In addition to this, Georgina has also acted as a representative for her group for the last two years, for which she has had to attend meetings with tutors and peers. All of this has helped Georgina to build excellent communication skills and to develop her organisation skills and professionalism – competencies which are recognised by her tutors and respected by peers within her group.  

“Georgina is an excellent role model to others,” says Sue. “Not only on her course, but to wider learners. Georgina is always professional and cheerful in every task she undertakes. Tutors regularly call on Georgina to talk to student groups and represent the college because of her reliability, eagerness to learn and consistent approach.” Meanwhile, Course Manager Hayley Sims says: “Georgina always gives 110% in everything that she does. Georgina is an excellent role model to others in the group and is a well-respected member of the student body.”  

Having a clear idea of the kind of career she wanted to pursue made BTEC the obvious choice for Georgina. “I want to work within animal welfare or rescue in the future and the qualification provides me with the knowledge and practical skills to be able to do this,” she tells us. “I also chose BTEC because of the way it is assessed, which suits the way I learn. I want to be able to work as a manager in the future and BTEC gives me the skills needed. I chose Riseholme College because it has a great reputation and a wide range of species to work with. 

Georgina has always wanted to work with animals and is passionate about animal welfare. “Working with animals is very rewarding, especially when you know that your hard work has resulted in animals going to better homes and be rehabilitated and have a better future, saving them from pain, injury and suffering.” While primarily interested in the animal rescue shelter side of things, she says learning about a variety of topics has expanded her future career options. “College has enabled me to widen my knowledge, especially within the legislation side of animal welfare and in the transporting of animals, animals for display, such as in a zoo and trading of animals, as well as the legal aspects of working within a vets and pet shops. The qualification has also given me the opportunity to work with livestock which has given me a further understanding of the farming industry.”