Sara Calvo Gonzalez, a Finance Assistant and recent graduate of the Level 4 AAT Diploma in Professional Accounting, has been recognised as UCW’s Business and Professional Services Student of the Year. This honour reflects her incredible dedication and academic achievements, positioning her among the top 3% of students worldwide to achieve a distinction at this level. English is Sara’s second language, so this is a truly remarkable achievement.
Reflecting on this recognition, Sara says, “I’m incredibly honoured and excited about the award. It’s amazing to see my hard work and dedication recognised in this way.”
Balancing full-time work and family responsibilities, Sara’s journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Her educational path began with completing AAT Level 3 at Weston College, where she experienced a supportive and positive learning environment. “My lecturer was supportive and knowledgeable, and when I decided to continue with Level 4, staying with the same institution felt like the natural choice,” she explains.
One of the highlights of Sara’s time at University Centre Weston was achieving a distinction in her Level 4 Diploma. Despite facing the challenges of higher academic demands and managing her responsibilities as a working mother, Sara was motivated to strive for excellence. “The constant encouragement helped my determination,” she notes, attributing her success to the support she received from her lecturer.
Sara applied her learning directly to her role as a Finance Assistant in a marketing company, enhancing her understanding of accounting principles in a practical context. This real-world application of her studies significantly bolstered her professional development.
Recently, Sara secured a new role with increased responsibilities and a better salary, a testament to the skills and knowledge she gained at UCW. Looking ahead, she plans to continue advancing in the field of accounting, considering further qualifications to support her career growth. “I believe it provided me with a strong foundation of accounting knowledge and skills, and confidence to succeed in a professional setting,” she says of her time at UCW.
Reflecting on her personal and professional growth, Sara remarks, “Personally, I’ve grown in terms of resilience and confidence. Professionally, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of accounting principles and their practical application in real-world scenarios.”
To prospective students, Sara offers this advice: “I would recommend studying at University Centre Weston. The supportive environment, quality teaching, and excellent resources make it an ideal place to pursue your academic goals.”
Sara’s story is a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination, making her a true inspiration to all aspiring students at UCW.
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