A Newtownabbey student who returned to education after a significant break has been named the recipient of this year’s Barbara MacAulay Personal Achievement Award at Northern Regional College.
Mark Donaldson, a student on the Level 3 Access Diploma in Social Sciences at the College’s Newtownabbey Campus, received the award in recognition of his outstanding commitment, determination and positive contribution to college life.
Mark, who is completing the part-time Access route over two years, has successfully balanced his studies alongside family life and volunteering at NI Children's Hospice in Glengormley.
The Barbara MacAulay Personal Achievement Award was established posthumously by Barbara’s family in memory of the much-loved Northern Regional College lecturer, who was passionate about supporting Access students and helping adult learners achieve their potential.
Each year, students are nominated based on exceptional personal achievement, resilience and commitment to their learning journey. The selection process considers not only academic results, but also attendance, effort, attitude and the work students put in both inside and outside the classroom.
Mark was nominated by his lecturers, who praised his flawless attendance, strong work ethic and the positive influence he has had on his classmates.
Janette Firth, Essential Skills lecturer at Northern Regional College, said: “Mark has been an absolute pleasure to support throughout his time on the Access programme. Returning to education after a long period away can be daunting, but Mark approached every challenge with determination, maturity and a consistently positive attitude.
She added, “He has shown real commitment to his studies while balancing family life and volunteering in his local hospice, and his flawless attendance is a reflection of just how dedicated he has been. Mark is also a kind and thoughtful person, and his encouragement and support for others made him a very positive influence within the class.”
Mark has been successfully offered a place at Queen’s University Belfast on the Nursing Learning Disabilities programme, marking the next stage in his journey towards a career in healthcare.
Martin Hay, Course Co-ordinator for Access Diploma in Social Sciences at Northern Regional College, said Mark’s achievement was testament to his work ethic and resilience.
Martin said: “Mark fully deserves this recognition. From the outset, he demonstrated the qualities we hope to see in Access students, commitment, enthusiasm, perseverance and a genuine desire to learn.
Martin added, “He has worked incredibly hard throughout the programme and has shown that returning to education can open up life-changing opportunities. To now be offered a place at Queen’s University Belfast to study Nursing is a fantastic achievement and one that reflects the effort and determination Mark has shown throughout his time at the College.”
Speaking about Mark’s achievement, Alice McCann, Curriculum Area Manager for Access at Northern Regional College, said: “Mark is a very deserving recipient of this year’s Barbara MacAulay’s Personal Achievement Award. As someone returning to education after a long period away, he has shown incredible determination, commitment and resilience throughout his Access journey.
Alice added, “He is a capable, hardworking and enthusiastic student, but what has also stood out is his kindness, thoughtfulness and the positive impact he has had on those around him. Mark has balanced college life with family commitments and volunteering in his local hospice, while maintaining excellent attendance and a consistently positive approach to his studies.
Reflecting on receiving the award, Mark said: “Returning to education after a long time away was a big step, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. The support I have received from my lecturers and classmates at Northern Regional College has made such a difference and helped me believe in what I could achieve.
“Balancing college, family life and volunteering has not always been easy, but I was determined to make the most of the opportunity. To receive an award in Barbara’s memory is a real honour, and I hope my journey encourages other adults who may be thinking about returning to education to take that first step.”
The Access Diploma at Northern Regional College is designed to support adult learners who wish to progress to university-level study. It provides an alternative route for those who may not have followed a traditional academic pathway but are motivated to pursue careers in areas such as health, education, social work and other professional fields.
Mark’s achievement reflects the continuing success of the College’s Access programme, which helps adult learners develop the confidence, qualifications and skills needed to progress to higher education and new career opportunities.
