Rosie Woodhouse

While at LMC, I became much more confident and independent. Before College, I was quite introverted and didn’t feel comfortable asking questions, but over the two years, I gradually came out of my shell. I also gained confidence working with animals I hadn’t handled before, thanks to the support and encouragement from my tutors.

After completing her GCSEs at Queen Elizabeth School, Rosie joined LMC in September 2022 to study Animal Management Level 3. With a strong interest in working with animals, the course was a natural choice for her. She studied at LMC for two years and gaining valuable knowledge and experience in animal care.

Rosie shared that she wanted to study a course focused on animals and didn’t want to stay at school to do A levels. She looked at other colleges near to where she lives, but chose LMC because it’s a good college and offered more hands-on experience with a wide variety of animals.

The best part of my time at LMC was the practical work with the animals. It gave me the chance to handle species I hadn’t worked with before, like chinchillas and ferrets. This experience has supported both my future studies and long term career, as I now have a broad understanding of a wide range of species. It’s also helped with my progression to university, as I already have a strong foundation in animal care and behaviour.

Another great opportunity that LMC gave me was the chance to go to Vancouver, Canada. This was an incredible experience for me, as I had never been abroad before. It allowed me to understand what it is like working in another country. While we were there, we volunteered for an Owl Rehabilittion Centre and got to see birds that are not native to the UK, like bald eagles.

While studying at LMC, Rosie had the opportunity to meet former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as part of the Eden Project development in Morecambe. It was a memorable experience and a proud moment for her to represent the College during a significant event in the local area.

While at LMC, I became much more confident and independent. Before College, I was quite introverted and didn’t feel comfortable asking questions, but over the two years, I gradually came out of my shell. I also gained confidence working with animals I hadn’t handled before, thanks to the support and encouragement from my tutors.

I picked up a lot of skills during my time at LMC that have helped me in both my job and university life. Going to Canada and Leighton Hall really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had the opportunity to travel to places I’d never been before including Canada, and these experiences helped me build independence and confidence.

Rosie also learned how to work well in a team. There were many occasions when she had to collaborate with others, such as at Leighton Hall, where completing tasks together and respecting each other’s ideas was essential. Studying at LMC provided her with a wide range of experiences, particularly in understanding animal behaviour and husbandry, which has been incredibly valuable for her university course. Looking back, she realised she had learned more than she initially thought, and many of the skills she now uses, stem from her time at LMC.

Rosie gained a broader perspective on animal care during her time at Leighton Hall, where she learned about land and habitat maintenance, including fencing, planting, and creating suitable environments for wildlife. This hands-on experience deepened her understanding of animal husbandry beyond the classroom.

Since leaving college, my biggest achievement has been getting into university. I am now studying Veterinary Medicine (Preliminary Year) at the University of Nottingham. So far, it has been amazing. I am learning lots of new things and getting closer to becoming a vet. I enjoy being away from home and gaining more independence, but I still travel back home to work every other weekend. This gives me a break from studying and allows me to see my friends and family.

There are many great courses at LMC with lots of opportunities, which allow you to pursue higher education options or go straight into a job. They provides a wealth of experiences and the chance to learn new things.

Outside of university, Rosie works on two dairy farms, where she’s responsible for tasks such as milking, feeding calves, mucking out, and maintaining high standards of animal welfare; something she learned to prioritise at LMC. Working closely with others during long shifts, especially milking, has also strengthened her teamwork and communication skills, helping her navigate challenges professionally and maturely.