Family affair as sisters sign up for same course

Family affair as sisters sign up for same course

24 July 2019

IT really was a case of a ‘sister act’ at South Eastern Regional College when twins Chloe and Rebecca and younger sister Courtney from Crossgar all ended up doing the same course.

The sisters recently completed the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Food and Beverage Service at the college’s Downpatrick campus. 

Former Ballynahinch High School students Chloe and Rebecca, aged 18, came to SERC to find out about hospitality and catering programmes. Having met with tutors, they decided to enrol on the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Food and Beverage Service. 

The twins then encouraged 17 year-old, Courtney, who had just finished her education at St Colmcille’s High School in Crossgar and was researching options, to enrol on the course with them. 

Speaking about her decision to study at SERC, Courtney said: “I am really glad that my sisters encouraged me to do this course. Our lecturers were supportive and caring. During this course we got hands on experience working in the McNeill Room, the college restaurant, serving food to members of the public. This really helped improve my interpersonal skills as well as working as part of a team.”

Chloe said: “It was great having my sisters in college with me. We really supported each other and were able to bounce ideas off each other when we were completing assignments.

“The college environment was completely different from a school setting. You are a bit more independent but with that comes the responsibility of managing your time for assignments and attending classes.

“I feel more independent, confident and the work experience gained in the McNeill Room will look great on our CVs.”

Her twin Rebecca added: “We got on really well with all our classmates. The small class size meant that you get to know everyone, and the lecturers get to know you. The mentoring and support for our coursework was great.

“Now that we have completed this course my sisters and I plan to progress on to a Level 3 qualification with SERC.”