Natalya Hubble’s Journey to Inspiring the Next Generation

I’m Natalya Hubble, and I am a Lecturer in Media at Dudley College of Technology.

I studied from 2014 to 2016.

I studied A Levels in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, as well as an AS Level in Dance.

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.

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.

I learned how to stay strong in the face of adversity.

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.

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.

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.

I thought I would work in the physics industry before transitioning into teaching later in life.

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.

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.

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.

No, I wouldn’t change anything. Every twist and turn in my career has shaped me into the teacher I am today.

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.

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!

Relax! You don’t have to do everything all at once. Pace yourself, and everything will fall into place.

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.

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.

Pick something you enjoy, not just something that makes money. Money comes and goes, but happiness is the real goal in life.