Rosie Forsythe – Future Secured

Name: Rosie Forsythe

Year Left: 2005

Subjects: Performing Arts, Moving Image Arts & Photography 

Occupation:

Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager, at Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Managing a team of six people with a goal to raise vital funds for Cancer Focus NI, so the charity can provide free services to cancer patients & their families across Northern Ireland. Cancer Focus NI must raise £4.6 million every year to deliver these services.

After finishing my A Levels at Ulidia, I loved Performing Arts and had a real passion for it, so I started a Foundation Degree in Performing Arts, at Belfast Met. I soon realised this was not the right course for me, so left, within the first year. I worked for the rest of the year in hospitality, gaining experience within the events sector and started my new degree in International Hospitality & Business Management at Belfast Met the following September. I studied for two years and completed the Foundation Degree and went onto the University of Ulster to top up my degree, where I was awarded a 1st Class Honors Degree in International Hospitality and Business Management.

Best memories of Ulidia: 

I will never forget my first year at Ulidia, it was just so special. On the pitches in Whitehead playing fields, we were a small school, with only a handful pupils, we didn’t have much, but that didn’t matter, because the school and the people made it so special. We were a family , a community from the get-go and that could be felt as soon as you walked through the gates. Also, I will never forget playing Audrey in our school musical, Little Shop of Horrors. Core memories made for a lifetime! It’s still my go to karaoke song! 

Why do you think students should study at Ulidia particularly sixth form:

Oh the legendary years……6th form. These were my most valuable/memorable/enjoyable years at Ulidia, from expanding my knowledge in my key subjects, developing my personal skills, as well as having the best time with the best group of friends. It was amazing. Now definitely hard work from time to time, but amazing. I would highly recommend studying at Ulidia, they see the good and possibility in every pupil and will work hard alongside you, so you can reach your full potential. 

I have always said, Ulidia provided me with the foundations I needed in life, and it has helped shape who I am today. It has helped me massively not only in my career, but in my personally life too.  I love the fact they have a full variety of subjects to choose from, whether you are more academic or creative (like I was), there is something for everyone.  The teaching staff adapt their style to you and that’s what I loved most. The teachers I had were so supportive of me, they helped guide me when I was struggling, and I can’t thank them enough for this. They helped me make my vulnerabilities, become my strengths in life and that was down to the teachers and teaching assistants. I will forever be grateful to them.

Why do you think students should follow a University/College based pathway: 

I totally believe University/College is not for everyone, and you must choose the path that is right for you.  Also, please remember you might not always get it right! It is so hard to know when you are 16, 17, 18, what you want to do with your life.  You can see from my University career, it was not straight forward, but that is okay. Believe me, no -one knows what they want to do at that age! I certainly didn’t think I would be a fundraiser for Cancer Focus NI, but I LOVE my job and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else now. 

Aspirations for the Future:

Professional, I hope to continue to build my career within the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. Helping to seek more funding opportunities, so we can provide better care & treatment for cancer patients and their families, here in Northern Ireland.

Personally, to continue to strive to be the best mummy to our two little dotes and spend as much time with them as possible, making core memories.

Ulidia Integrated College – Securing Brighter and Better Futures for All