.jpg "Samantha Fray.")
Talent development | Empowering through coaching I Diversity Advocate
This was an amazing time for me. I was able to meet a lot of people who had similar experiences to me and also put the point across about the differing needs of the mature student.
Finding my feet as a student
Leeds Trinity is the place I credit with finding my confidence, I had to ask myself many hard questions on my three year journey and every step of the way I was helped and comforted by the excellent staff and student counsellors.
Extra-curricular opportunities
During my first year, I became the Mature Students' Officer. This was an amazing time for me. I was able to meet a lot of people who had similar experiences to me and also put the point across about the differing needs of the mature student. Towards the end of my course, I also became involved with Inhouse (now Trinity Vision) which I really enjoyed and this helped me gain so many skills that I still utilise to this day.
Getting my foot in the door
When I left Trinity Vision after having my son, I applied for lots of opportunities but was having no luck until I found a training opportunity with Carve Productions and C4 called, For Three Minutes. I applied and was lucky enough to be asked to come down to London for ten days to be a Producer for one of the teams. After doing this I felt more confident to contact media organisations in Leeds and this helped me to get my current role. I am really pleased about everything I've achieved so far, I remember once being told that as a single mum I wouldn't get very far in the media. I think I've proved them wrong.
Working at ITV
I've previously worked at ITV for several years, including being there Legal and Business Affairs Coordinator between 2017-19, looking after all the Entertainment and Sports commissions. As well as this, I was also co-Chair of ITV Embrace, a group that has been established to support and nurture talent, both on and off screen. Embrace reaches out to young people and tells them more about the media industry.
What my time at Leeds Trinity gave me
Leeds Trinity University showed me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. Before doing my course, I didn't think this was possible but I would encourage everyone to just give it a go, sign-up for the course you've always wanted and go for it.
I also found so many of my lecturers to be supportive and great when it came to pastoral care. I love that because it took a lot for me to finish the course. I think if I'd have been at any other university I may well have given up.
Three words I'd use to describe myself
Positive, Creative, Determined