When Ligia Andrea Salinas Rivera reflected on the moment she contemplated her future career path after deciding to change course, she explained: “I was crying because I didn’t know what to do.”
Having arrived in England from El Salvador just four years ago with limited English, the prospect of tackling an engineering course seemed daunting - especially after being warned it was “all maths."
Today, Ligia, 20, is not only excelling in her Engineering Level 3 course, consistently hitting distinctions, but she has been crowned Hartlepool College of Further Education’s Student of the Year.
Her pride after she was honoured, quite rightly, was written all over her face as she chatted and is grateful for the faith her lecturers placed in her potential.
Ligia’s journey to the top award is a testament to her resilience.
After moving to the UK at age 16 from El Salvador with her family dreaming of a better life after encountering a few problems in her homeland, she first settled in west London.
This was when she began taking the English language more seriously, having taken tentative steps in Central America to learn it. She also studied a Level 1 in Art and Design. However, her true passion lay elsewhere.
“I realised engineering was what I wanted to do more of. I enjoy maintenance, problem solving, mostly repairing machines and manufacturing,” Ligia said.
She moved to Hartlepool 22 months ago with her mother, Jennifer, and ten-year-old younger brother, Arturo, seeking a quieter and more affordable life. She soon discovered the calm environment she was looking for.
Ligia said: “We fell in love with the town. It is so quiet compared to London life, and everything is so peaceful. We love living near the sea and I love to go on long walks.”
When enrolling at Hartlepool College, Ligia initially planned to continue with Art and Design but, guided by her developing interests, faced her fear and explored engineering.
She said: “I was afraid of engineering, people told me it was all maths and I would cry.”
Despite initial concerns, she sought help from the College’s Student Services and spoke with engineering lecturer Jeff Lester.
She said: "I spoke to them and they told me they would manage everything and not to worry. It made me feel comfortable and safe. I have never felt more supported in all my life.”
Once she started the course, Ligia realised she had been wrong. She said: “I started studying and did enjoy it.
“I realised this is what I was looking for. Manufacturing, repairing, problem solving and I discovered I was really good at maths and I didn’t know. I would love now to secure an apprenticeship somewhere.”
Ligia’s dedication in the classroom quickly paid off. She successfully passed both her English and Maths GCSEs on her first attempt, a remarkable feat given her starting point just four years earlier.
Now, as a Level 3 student, she is consistently achieving high grades.
And for Ligia, the effort is motivated by her family. She added: "I keep saying this to my mom, everything I do I have to be proud of myself and I want my mom to be proud."
Ligia will finish her course in the summer of 2027 and hopes to secure an apprenticeship in mechanical, industrial or manufacturing engineering, though university remains a strong option.
Her achievement as Student of the Year, confirmed at the recent Celebration of Achievement evening at the College, serves as an example of overcoming perceived barriers and finding success in a new career and community.
Gary Riches, Hartlepool College's Vice Principal, said: “Ligia’s journey is incredibly inspirational and a perfect example of what can be achieved through determination and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
“To overcome a language barrier, a fear of maths and taking that step into engineering, while switching career paths to not only excel but be crowned Student of the Year is phenomenal. She is a credit to herself, her family and the College, and we couldn’t be prouder of her success.”
r is phenomenal. She is a credit to herself, her family and the College, and we couldn’t be prouder of her success.”
