A STUDENT who battled through difficult personal circumstances to earn the highest grade in her college course has encouraged others to stick at their work and see it through.

Jessica Roberts, 19, says she almost quit her course at Pembrokeshire College on several occasions after struggling with mental illness and financial issues.

But the support of her friends, family and college tutors encouraged Jessica to finish her Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, and she has now completed the course with a distinction.

Now Jessica has been awarded a £1,500 bursary and an award from the Freemason’s Province of West Wales, given to the Pembrokeshire College student most committed to their course each year.

Her message to other students going through a tough time is to not give up.

“So many people have dropped out of college because they are having a hard time.

“Stick at it, work hard and the tough times eventually go,” said Jessica. “You have to go through them to get to the good side.

She added: “I would say to anyone going through a tough time to stick at it and seek out any help offered.”

Jessica accepted her award from the Masons at Pembrokeshire College’s graduation ceremony held at St Davids Cathedral on Friday, July 6.

She now plans to go on to study mental health nursing at university, and already has an offer from Swansea University.

She has thanked her boyfriend, Ross Wilkinson, 20, and her college tutor, Sue Boothe, for their help in realising her ambition.

Sue Boothe, Jessica’s tutor, said: “Jess has persevered and worked hard to achieve a good final grade, and hopes to go to university to study mental health nursing.

“She accessed the support at the college, and stayed motivated to complete, when at one point she nearly dropped out. I am proud of her, and wish her all the best for the future.”