Zak Stanley from Constantine is currently taking a Foundation Degree in Media Advertising at Truro College and is one of the very first students to be studying in the new Fal Building- a purpose built facility created as part of Phase Two of the Combined Universities in Cornwall initiative to accommodate more Higher Education courses on the campus.
Having moved to the county from London as a child, Zak appreciates the many benefits of living in Cornwall and is enthusiastic about the increasing opportunities in higher education in the area explaining, "I'm really up for Cornwall developing its education system, not only because it enables more people to stay here and study, but because it encourages others to come in and experience a different lifestyle- it's about gaining new perceptions."
Completing the foundation degree will enable Zak to carry on and complete a full degree qualification in a related subject at one of the CUC partner colleges or universities or to go straight into employment. The course has a very practical focus which enables students to gain experience with different types of media. The new facilities at the Fal Building feature the latest IT resources, including a video suite with high resolution digital cameras and broadcast quality video cameras.
Zak has already discovered the value of putting his skills into practise- after recently being judged the joint winner, with fellow student Aaron Grimshaw, of a competition run by local company Treasure Trails to design an advert for their Christmas campaign.
Not only is gaining a qualification important to Zak- but he is also keen to build on the student community in the new building and is heavily involved with student social group, The Truro HE Union. He explains "I personally want to encourage a unity within the college so HE students can really make the most of their time here".
A number of sporting and social clubs have been set up and Zak is hoping to add to this with ideas such as a plasma screen to advertise student events, a display area for photography and designs, and student input into additional facilities.