Eastleigh College alumni, Nathaniel Hawley, has been shortlisted for The Prince’s Trust Young Achiever Award at The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards!
Nathaniel studied Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media before going to Bournemouth University to study Television Production. He now works full-time as a Project Co-ordinator at the Media Trust, while also working as a Trustee for youth charity, vInspired.
During his last years of school Nathaniel faced a difficult time – his mother was in hospital, and he was suffering from autism and dyslexia in the midst of doing his exams. However, Nat found out about Fairbridge, a Princes Trust programme that helps disadvantaged young people change their lives for the better.
With the help of The Trust’s centre in Southampton and the support of his tutors at Eastleigh College, Nathaniel was able to complete his course and realise his dream of studying at University. He said, “Doing the Arts Foundation was perfect for me – it helped grow my interest and skill set and also allowed me to keep being a carer for my mum. I chose the course because I knew I wanted to work in Arts or Media, and it gave me extra time to develop.”
Commenting on the support he received from Eastleigh College and Fairbridge, Nat said, “I wouldn’t have been able to complete my studies without them – they empowered me to get through the course, and having someone that always has your back is invaluable.”
At University Nathaniel applied to become a Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador, and since then has been speaking at Trust events all over the country. He has also volunteered abroad in Tanzania, Ghana, Nicaragua and the US, and runs his own social action project on mental health and disability empowerment.
When asked how he felt to be nominated for the award, he said “Being nominated means the world to me, I am more motivated and determined than ever to improve the lives of young people.”
Nathaniel is one of only five finalists for the Pride of Britain award, and the winner will be invited to receive their award at a celebratory event on Monday 31st October, to be broadcast the next day on ITV. From everyone at Eastleigh College, we wish Nathaniel good luck!
