Leeds City College

Elise McDonald joined the 14+ Academies in 2020, where she studied Maths, English, Science, Business, ICT and Food Industry Skills.

In 2022, she progressed to the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills at Leeds City College, where—as well as learning how to make an excellent leek and potato soup—she developed valuable life skills and a deeper appreciation for the effort and creativity that goes into the culinary industry.

Refining culinary skills in Greece

The next year, Elise ventured on an incredible international work placement in Greece, an experience she describes as helping her “truly figure out what to do in the future.”

Elise credits the support of her tutor Victoria Roper for the experience she had there.

“I can’t begin to thank her enough. When I was sixteen, working in a new country with little to no Greek language skills, she supported me through every challenge. I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, struggling to communicate and to better myself, and she was always there.

Because of her guidance, I’m now in the position I always hoped for, and I’ve even learned enough Greek to confidently communicate with locals.

It is a place my sixteen-year-old self could have only dreamed of.”

The trip of a lifetime

In 2023, Elise returned to Leeds to study for an NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Travel & Tourism, which she says changed her life and led her to discover her passion: aviation.

Elise received distinctions in many assignments and this year, was able to dive even deeper into the aviation industry through a work placement with Think Pacific in Bali, Indonesia.

“Bali itself was unforgettable, from the wide stretches of rice terraces and the beautifully detailed temples to the small local wurrungs where we tried new foods, every day brought something different to take in.

We learned about Balinese traditions, daily offerings, the importance of community and the deep sense of spirituality woven into everyday life.”

Elise also took part in an ‘exhausting’ beach clean-up, where her group cleared rubbish and debris from miles of coastline in 30-degree heat. Whilst challenging, she notes this as one of her proudest moments.

“We had the most amazing time. Everything I learned on this placement I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The start of something big

Elise gained her NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Travel & Tourism this year and is currently planning her future while bartending. However, she is continuing her love of discovering new cultures and staying in tune with herself.

“I’m taking some time to enjoy being young before starting my career. I have realised how important it is to just breathe, live in the moment and not rush into the “right job” at the wrong time.

I want to make sure I enter the industry with the same passion and excitement I found during my studies. In the meantime, I am travelling to new places, learning about diverse cultures, and continuing to grow as a person.”

A life-changing college experience

When thinking about her progression through Leeds City College over the past five years, Elise shares:

“Looking back on my time at the 14+ Academies, I realise it was one of the most important chapters of my life. It was where everything started to make sense, it was where I learned to believe in myself

You often hear people talk about that one great tutor who made a difference in their life. For me, that was Tanicia Robinson.

She saw potential in me before I even saw it in myself. I will never forget the conversations we had, the ones that made me think, reflect and start to truly be who I wanted to become.”