When Jorja Boyd left high school, it wasnât by choice. Sheâd been badly bullied, and her school told her they couldnât support her complex disabilities and health needs if she stayed on. Illness had kept her out of the classroom for years, leaving her with no grades, no work experience, and very little confidence. Some teachers said she wasnât good enough, âtoo slowâ and âtoo dangerousâ because of her severe allergies. One college even told her she would never work in bakery and should give up on the idea.
However, baking was her dream, and City of gLasgow College offered her a place on the Supported Learning Bakery Level 3 course, a chance to prove the doubters wrong and to do what she loved.
Seven years later, Jorja is in her final year, with two HNCs under her belt, and achievements she once couldnât have imagined. Sheâs been Class Rep five times, joined the Law Society, spoken at conferences, published recipes, coached basketball for young people with learning disabilities, and launched allergy-awareness projects which are now engaged with charities beyond the College.
One moment sheâll never forget is earning an âAâ in her HNC Legal Services graded unit, despite her dyslexia, speech difficulties, and fears about theory work. âThose doubts from the past were still in my head, but I proved the negative voices wrong.â
Jorja is quick to say she didnât do it alone. Her mum encouraged her every step. Her sister accompanied her on public transport to College daily during her worst health spells. Her lecturers adapted lessons so she could succeed, and the Learning Support team were always there. She also honours her late friend Santana, who made her promise to one day make her birthday cake, a promise that pushed her to qualify as a baker.
In 2025, Jorjaâs hard work was recognised with The Heraldâs Outstanding Contribution from a College Student Award. âWhen my name was read out, I couldnât believe it. The child in me that was constantly told sheâd be nothing healed that day.â
To new students, especially those who feel they donât belong, Jorja says: âYou donât need to be confident to start. You just need to be willing to try. Take small steps. Be kind to yourself. Everyone else is learning too and with time, your confidence will grow.â
From hearing ânoâ at almost every door to becoming an award-winning student, Jorjaâs journey captures what City of Glasgow College has championed over the past 15 years â breaking down barriers, unlocking potential, and creating a place where learning truly thrives.
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