Maisy Lawton Thompson

On my course I had the chance to travel to Vancouver, Canada for free. It was a great experience that boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. It made me believe in myself and showed me what I’m capable of as I’d never been abroad before. The overseas trip opened up new possibilities to me, and got me more interested in travelling in the future. The fact that it was fully funded made it even better, as cost would have been a big barrier for me otherwise.

Maisy studied the Animal Management Level 3 course at LMC after speaking to the College Engagement Team on her school careers day. She then visited the campus for an Open Evening, and was drawn to the friendly atmosphere, hands-on animal care facilities and strong student support including free travel and help towards the cost of meals. Maisy has been able to build her confidence at College, and really enjoyed her time on the course, able to develop her passion for learning, and now plans to go to university after she has finished at LMC.

Maisy shared that LMC made it easier for her to get into education. The free bus service, free breakfasts, and Learner Support Fund helped with costs and made College more accessible, as Maisy explained that if she'd chosen another college, travel alone would have been very expensive.

“I attended an Open Evening at LMC where I felt comfortable and welcomed. The College had a good atmosphere and seemed like a place I could enjoy learning. I first found out about the College at my school careers day. They had a stand there, and that’s what got me interested. Before that, I was planning to go to Kendal College. The animal care facilities stood out at LMC, as, as there were rodents, exotic animals, and an outdoor areas. It looked like a great place to learn about different species and how to care for them. I was also interested in the chance to go on international trips, which added something extra to the course.”

Maisy told us that LMC gave her real opportunities to build skills and gain hands-on experience. She explained how the 150 hours of work placement each year helped her grow in confidence, improve her animal husbandry skills, and learn how to work with the public. In her second year, Maisy took part in estate skills at Leighton Hall, where she learned practical tasks like building hazel hurdle fences, using tools, identifying trees, and dry-stone walling. She shared that working outdoors and being close to nature was a highlight, and it tied in well with animal management in estate and zoo settings. Over the two years, Maisy explored a wide range of topics, which helped her figure out what she enjoyed most. She was especially interested in biological systems, zoological collections, business management, wildlife ecology, and exotics. These experiences gave her a clearer idea of where she wants to take her career next.

“On my course I had the chance to travel to Vancouver, Canada for free. It was a great experience that boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. It made me believe in myself and showed me what I’m capable of as I’d never been abroad before. The overseas trip opened up new possibilities to me, and got me more interested in travelling in the future. The fact that it was fully funded made it even better, as cost would have been a big barrier for me otherwise..”

Maisy shared that the support she received at LMC helped her grow both personally and academically. She said the pastoral staff were always understanding and helped her believe in herself. Her course tutors were supportive, knowledgeable, and made lessons engaging. They also helped her improve her time management. Maisy described the College as a welcoming place, and said that spaces like The Hex made studying more enjoyable thanks to the friendly staff.

The skills Maisy learnt at LMC include:

• Public speaking
• Presentation skills
• Communication
• Confidence
• Organisation skills
• Improved time management
• Empathy and understanding
• Independence
• Patience

Maisy explained that the Animal Management Level 3 course at LMC is equivalent to three A-Levels, giving her the option to progress to university or other higher education opportunitiites. Achieving a distinction in her first year was a proud moment for Maisy, and gave her the confidence to see what she’s capable of. She shared that the course opens up a range of opportunities in the animal care industry and helps you discover which area suits you best. With a mix of practical sessions involving a wide variety of animals and engaging theory lessons, Maisy found the course both enjoyable and valuable. She described the staff as friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable, and said she would definitely recommend the course to others interested in working with animals.

“I want to go to university and make a difference for the natural world. I care a lot about animals, plants, and the environment, and I’d love to inspire others to feel the same. Nature plays a big role in our lives, even if we don’t always notice it. Looking after the planet and all living things is something we all need to take seriously, and I also believe in being kind and building strong communities is a good skill to learn.”