NCW Alumni Spotlight: Natalya Hubble’s Journey to Inspiring the Next Generation
From aspiring physicist to media lecturer, Natalya Hubble’s journey took unexpected twists that led her to a fulfilling career in education. Studying A Levels in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, alongside an AS Level in Dance at NSCG, Natalya initially pursued astrophysics before discovering a passion for media and film-making.
Now a Lecturer in Media at Dudley College of Technology, Natalya shares insights into her academic journey, the challenges she overcame and her advice for students still figuring out their paths.
Introduction & College Experience
Can you introduce yourself and your current job role?
I’m Natalya Hubble, and I am a Lecturer in Media at Dudley College of Technology.
What year did you study with NSCG?
I studied from 2014 to 2016.
What course(s) did you study during your time at college?
I studied A Levels in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, as well as an AS Level in Dance.
What motivated you originally to choose the course(s) you did?
I was good at science in school and wanted to continue pursuing it. I also did a lot of dance as an extracurricular activity and wanted to develop that further.
What were your aspirations and career goals at that time?
I knew I wanted to go to university and eventually work in education, but I didn’t want to go straight into teaching. My plan was to gain industry experience first before moving into education.
What was the most valuable thing you learned during college (academically or personally)?
I learned how to stay strong in the face of adversity.
Next Steps
After college, what path did you take? How did college prepare you for it?
I went to Keele University on a Foundation Year to study Astrophysics and Music Technology, but later changed to a degree in Media, Culture, and Creative Practice. College helped me develop a strong work ethic and the ability to meet deadlines, which were essential skills for university.
Looking back, was this the right choice for you? Why or why not?
Yes, university was the right choice for me, even though I changed degrees. I always wanted to pursue further education, and university gave me the opportunity to explore subjects I hadn’t considered before—like media, which ultimately shaped my career.
Did you encounter any unexpected challenges?
After my foundation year, I struggled with the physics portion of my course and eventually took a leave of absence. Since physics had always been my plan, I felt lost. Luckily, I had taken an elective in media and discovered a passion for film-making, which led me to change my degree. This decision allowed me to thrive.
Career Expectations vs. Reality
What did you think your career would look like when you were in college?
I thought I would work in the physics industry before transitioning into teaching later in life.
What is your career now, and how did you get there?
I am now a qualified Media Lecturer with QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status) and a Media Level 2 Course Tutor at Dudley College of Technology.
- After graduating from Keele in 2021, I completed a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education, with placements in both college and secondary schools.
- Between 2022 and 2024, I worked as a Media, Film, and Computing teacher at a secondary school, where I gained my QTLS.
- In September 2024, I started my current role as a lecturer in media.
Have your ambitions changed since college? If so, how?
When I was in college, I wanted to have a big impact on the world. Now, I realise that I am making a big impact,just not in the way I originally envisioned. I’m shaping the future by enriching the lives of my students.
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
After just three months at Dudley College, I was nominated for the Standout Newcomer Award. It was an incredible feeling to know that my colleagues valued my contributions and that I had already made an impact in such a short time.
If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently regarding your career path?
No, I wouldn’t change anything. Every twist and turn in my career has shaped me into the teacher I am today.
Advice for Current Students
What advice would you give to students currently in college who are unsure about their next steps?
Go into everything with an open mind and don’t compare your progress to others. Everyone is on their own journey, it’s not about how fast you get there, but what you learn along the way.
Are there any skills or experiences you wish you had focused on more during college?
I wish I had taken advantage of extracurricular activities and experiences. My students now have amazing opportunities—like international trips and visits to the Houses of Parliament—and I wish I had done more of that myself. Allow yourself to have fun along the way!
If you could tell your college-aged self one thing, what would it be?
Relax! You don’t have to do everything all at once. Pace yourself, and everything will fall into place.
Final Thoughts
How did your college experience shape who you are today?
Facing academic challenges and personal setbacks taught me resilience and adaptability. These lessons helped me develop a positive mindset and the ability to navigate difficult situations, which has been crucial in my career.
What does "success" mean to you now compared to when you were in college?
When I was in college, I thought success meant having money, a big house, and flashy cars. Now, I realise that true success is happiness. Material things are nice, but they mean nothing if you’re not happy with your life.
What would your advice be to students on picking a future career?
Pick something you enjoy, not just something that makes money. Money comes and goes, but happiness is the real goal in life.