A graduate who has won one of this year’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards (TOYP) says her success would not have been possible without London Metropolitan University.
Date: 03/08/2012
A graduate who has won one of this year’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards (TOYP) says her success would not have been possible without London Metropolitan University.
Inspirational entrepreneur Jessica Elliott, who studied BSc Sports Therapy at London Met, is one of ten young people to receive an award. The 24 year-old runs J’s Dance Factory, an enterprise she created to provide afterschool dance classes for children.
Jessica won the Cultural Award category of the TOYP for her ‘tireless dedication to empowering young people to feel confident and grow through dance.’
Run by the Junior Chamber International, the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards celebrate ten young people each year who have achieved extraordinary success in their fields.
“It’s really nice to be recognised for my work”, said Jessica. “It was great to meet the other winners and find out about their achievements as well.
“I’m always motivated by creating opportunities for young people. There is a lack of things for children to do after school, and I decided I would try and change that. It’s all about giving them confidence and bringing the community together.”
Since starting the business in 2007 Jessica has opened three branches across London, working with 20 schools and employing 45 instructors.
It all began during her second year at London Metropolitan University, where she studied in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing.
“The University runs a student enterprise programme, and I entered a business plan competition to win office space to establish and grow my business idea. This was the most positive aspect of London Met, and if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be here now.”
Jessica, from Catford in London, is now developing her business further, with courses to help train qualified instructors and a talent agency for young people.
Congratulations to Jessica for her amazing achievement. She really is one of London’s outstanding young people.
Find out more about the Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing at London Met.
