We spoke to EKC Broadstairs Junior College alumni Alfie Hatton to reflect on his experiences in Junior College and how it has shaped his future. Why did you apply for Junior College and choose to specialise in Sport? I was homeschooled and it wasn’t really that great. When Covid ended, it was either go back to school or go to Junior College. I originally chose mechanics but then I realised it wasn’t for me, so then I changed to sport in my second year. I like playing sport and coaching. What did you learn in Junior College? I learned a lot, really. My Maths has greatly improved. I also learned how to interact with people. I was pretty shut off before, but now I get along with a lot of people. I can just go into a group and get to know them. I used to not be able to do that. How did Junior College benefit you? It’s given me confidence. They had just small classes so I could get to know everyone easily. It helped me get my confidence up. It was like a little family, really. The students and the teachers got along quite well. You could talk to them and have a nice conversation with them compared to at school. We called them by their first names. What was it like changing from Junior College to College when you reached that step? When I started College, it was a new group and a new environment. I was treated like an adult more. There’s also a different workload compared to Junior College. Now, there’s more independent work. It teaches you to be more confident in your own abilities. Do you have any advice for students that are considering Junior College? I’d say, don’t be scared when you start. It’s a new environment. I didn’t know anyone that was going. I had to make friends from nothing. I’m still best friends with the first person I ever talked to that I came in with. I talk with her every day.