A Leap of Faith from Science to Hair and Media Makeup Opens New Horizons for Student Holly

Diverting from a pathway in science to a new direction in Hair and Media Makeup, was a decision on the cards for South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) Bangor student Holly Porter, who has recently found her passion on the Level 2 Hair and Media Makeup course.

Holly (22) from Bangor, spoke on her experience to date saying: “I studied at Priory College in Holywood and completed my GCSEs in 2017. At this stage, I was interested in the Science route, and decided to go to SERC Bangor to do my A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Biology after hearing it was an option during my time in school. I really enjoyed my time on the course, and after getting my A-Levels, I received a place at the Open University for an undergraduate degree in Biology.”

“During this course, I realised that my career ambitions had changed, and I no longer had the same spark for the subject that I once had. I have always been a very creative person and really wanted to explore this side of my personality in a different course, so I made the decision to leave the science route behind in search of something I would enjoy more. From spending time at SERC previously, I already knew it was a great place to learn, and after getting advice from the college, the Hair and Media Makeup course at the Bangor campus ticked all the right boxes for me. I have been on the course since September 2022, and I can honestly say I have loved it so far.”

Holly continued, “I think the course really suits me because I have had great opportunities to showcase my creativity, particularly in the makeup side of the course which is my preferred area. At the moment, my class are working towards an inter-campus competition, and I am creating a mermaid inspired look to showcase, which has been so much fun and has meant experimenting with different techniques. I love the practical side of the course and getting to learn by doing things, rather than just being told how to do something, which helps me get that extra level of experience I need for the future. Another area of the course I have enjoyed and has enabled me to develop new skills, is getting to do hair and blow-drying on members of the public, who trust me to practice my work.”

“I have even had the opportunity to use my previous experience in science in the theory side of this course when learning about skin structure and muscles. This is something I never expected to use in this industry, but it has been really interesting to learn how it is an important element. My two lecturers, Judith Magill and Lynn Hamil-Fitzpatrick have been fantastic in teaching me the ropes, and always offer a great level of support.”

She added, “After I complete my Level 2, my plans are to continue to the Level 3 course in Theatrical, Special Effects and Hair and Media Makeup. I am interested in a career in theatre and prosthetics makeup, so I am very excited to see where this course will take me. I have been speaking to staff who are willing to help me gain some work experience in this field next year and I look forward to exploring this area of the make-up industry.”

Concluding, Holly says, “My advice for anyone who is interested in this course would be to definitely go for it. This course has been a great choice for me, and I have benefitted so much from gaining valuable practical skills which will help me secure a job in the future. The support systems at SERC are amazing, the atmosphere on campus is very relaxed, and I have been treated like an adult which has added to my experience being a great one.”

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.