“Villiers Park helped me realise that ambition isn’t something reserved for better off people.”
Villiers Park alum, Jason Cullen, shares how a 2009 residential helped broaden his horizons, build his confidence and shape the path he has taken since.
Recently, Jason got back in touch with Villiers Park to share his memories of his linguistics taster course, and to reflect on the impact it continues to have on him today.
Jason shared;
“Growing up in a working-class community, I benefitted enormously from programmes designed to widen participation and raise aspirations. Those experiences helped me appreciate the transformative impact that education, mentoring and opportunity can have on a young person’s life direction.”
Jason went on to attend the University of York from 2011, where he studied English Language and Linguistics. Looking back on the role Villiers Park played in that journey, he said, “after doing this residential programme at Villiers Park, it inspired me…”. The residential was designed to stretch aspiring students academically while also building confidence, ambition and awareness of future opportunities. After starting out his career in commercial aviation, Jason’s path naturally gravitated towards organisations that help individuals and service users reach their full potential.
On the impact Villiers Park had on his journey, Jason shared;
“Villiers Park played an important role in broadening my personal horizons. Coming from a background where many professional and higher education pathways weren’t necessarily visible on a day-to-day basis, the programme helped me to think bigger about what was even possible for my life beyond school.
"One of the most valuable aspects was exposure to inspiring teachers, speakers, mentors and role models who demonstrated different routes to success. Those experiences helped develop my confidence and reinforced my belief that talent and hard work should never be limited by your socio-economic background.
"Whether working in business development or pursuing my own personal goals, I believe the confidence, aspiration and growth mindset can be traced back in part to the enriching experience like that provided to me by Villiers Park.”
Jason at the Linguistics Residential in 2009
Talking about the most memorable parts of his experience, Jason shared;
“The most memorable aspect was getting to go to the University of Cambridge for the day with all the other residential students and explore Corpus Christi College and the city in general.
"Also, meeting other motivated young people from different backgrounds who shared a curiosity about learning and ambition for the future was inspiring to be around. In fact, I am still in touch with two of the girls from my time at Villiers Park!
"Perhaps most importantly, Villiers Park helped me realise that ambition isn’t something reserved for better off people. It showed me that young people from backgrounds like mine could aspire to go to top universities and forge successful careers and opportunities for themselves that may once have felt out of reach.”
Jason's Countdown Victory
Outside of work, Jason is a huge tennis fan, a ‘long-suffering’ Bolton Wanderers supporter and recently fulfilled a lifelong goal of returning to Channel 4 game show, Countdown (after his first appearance as a teenager), and ultimately going on to be crowned the Series 92 Champion!
We are always keen to hear from our alumni. If you have a story you would like to share, please get in touch.
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