We started our day by checking out of the Broad Street Hampton Inn and then getting on a taxi to travel to South & City College in Birmingham. As soon as we got out of the taxi I saw how safe the college is due to all the security workers and gates. It is so important for adolescents to feel safe during critical years of learning. The U.S. should employ more safeguarding and safety measures within all their schools to prevent the instillment of fear while trying to learn essential skills and information to support their future.

Once we entered the school, I noticed their daily encouragement quote and additional motivational quotes on bulletin boards that help students remember their goals and aspirations. I love this promotion of self-realization and reflecting every day. Reading something so stimulating that also makes an individual remember their potential and reason for being there is crucial for adolescents. I also saw large windows lining the walls eliminating natural light. We then met three of the head faculty members that oversee the specialities within the college. Their presentation helped me gain a better understanding of the culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion that exists in South & City College. This college has multiple campuses to support each student to the optimal level. There are students that come to full-time school to be employed by a skill like construction, engineering, plumbing, fashion, and childcare. We were shown around to all the on-campus sites of workshop rooms. The design, materials, and teachers provided an environment that allowed students to perform hands-on practice. I admire how this college values and offers programs for all essential trades of work.

The college offers a range of courses, from Pre-Entry to Level 1 to meet the ability of all learners in preparing progression. Additionally, South & City College simultaneously provides necessary, but often overlooked, education on things pertaining to caring for others, paying taxes and bills, arranging appointments with health care professionals, and effectively communicating with others. By utilizing an education system like this, they are preparing the next generation for not just their future of work, but also essential life skills to help them be better humans. The human part of education is often stripped away in U.S. school with focusing on how to properly take exams and technology school work instead of taking the time to intertwine the real-life learning with a bigger life lesson on how to act and communicate with others. Their approach to learning is brilliant and I saw it in action in their classroom setting. There is no age limit in this college which promotes lifelong learning and it gives everyone a chance to progress in life when they are ready or when they feel is best for them. In turn, this college prides themselves on being inclusive to every race, religion, culture, and background. Even when we went to observe classrooms we met students from all over the world who are all excited to learn. The United States’ high schools need to be more like this because it exposes students to other classmates that are different from themselves. This critical exposure prepares the students for the real-world, so they can confidently work and communicate with anyone without being reserved or afraid.

The college also holds their students to high standards and accountable. If they miss class, they are required to teach themselves what they missed and make it up. From what I observed, I would not want to miss my college classes in the atmosphere they are in anyway, because of the open and engaging learning environment the teachers create for their students. Holding students accountable if they missed and making them want to come and learn because of the engaging and stimulating atmosphere is essential in teaching the future generations.

We also learned that every student attending university is entitled to a student loan that an individual can only pay back at 9% of the cost once they meet the standard threshold income. How the UK provides for their patients and students is marvelous. The U.S. students and patients suffer from high debt in medical costs and student loan debt for years upon years whereas the UK has the NHS to provide free healthcare at the point of need and only requires 9% back of their university cost if they make the threshold amount. If the threshold amount is never satisfied by the student, they don’t have to pay back anything and their debt will be forgiven. The U.S. desperately needs systems in place to protect its citizens from drowning in debt over healthcare and higher education costs.

After the college visit, we jumped on a bus to London! We passed acres and acres of grassland with sheep roaming for miles. As we got closer to the city, I saw cottage-like homes with parks and bikes all around. Families, children, and dogs were out every where enjoying the sunny day. Once we got closer to the hotel, I saw the slick white buildings with intricate architecture and flower beds surrounding the outsides. We got checked in and changed for the Pitt Alumni Dinner where I met accomplished and confident Pitt graduates now living their full life in the city of London. There stories and experiences were inspiring, but their advice will last a lifetime. “Know your worth, always.” 😊

I can’t wait to have a full day in London tomorrow!