A HEREFORDSHIRE student, who has inspired, led her peers and spoken out for people with disabilities, has won a national award.
Amy Jude, from Hereford, has been named as Adult Student of the Year in the Association of Colleges Student of the Year Awards.
She was crowned Adult Student of the Year, after being nominated by Derwen College staff for her commitment, passion, and sense of justice.
She is a bold and impressive young woman who has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, said the college spokesperson.
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Amy Jude president of the Student Union Board
This results in multiple hormone deficiencies and a visual impairment, autism, hypersensitivity, learning difficulties and ARFID (food intake disorder).
Ms Jude has risen to every challenge, never allowing disability to become a barrier to her ambitions, said spokesperson from the college.
Her mum Kirsten said how proud she was of her, and how wonderful it was to see her grow up to be the strong, independent woman she is today.
Ms Jude, known as AJ, graduated from the specialist further education college in Shropshire, earlier this year, after a truly memorable three years as a performing arts student.
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Amy Jude at Natspec conference
During her time at the college, she became an impressive ambassador for people with learning difficulties and disabilities, for women and for all minorities.
She also was never afraid to raise issues with the senior leadership team and governors, said a spokesperson for the college.
Ms Jude also represented Derwen College at Natspec Student Parliament, which offers specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, aged 16 to 25.
She was part of the national gathering of student representatives from specialist colleges who come together to discuss and collaborate on issues that are important to them.
She was also an ambassador for Derwen College at the 2021 Natspec Conference – the largest national event for further education SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) specialists.
She is a talented actress, who has embraced lead roles in the college's shows, taken part in community performances and competitions, written, and delivered moving monologues about inclusion, and inspired dancers of all ages while working at a local dance school.
Ms Jude said: "I was a little bit shocked at first, but then very happy.
"Not only have I made myself and Derwen College proud, but my family are also all happy too.
"They've been telling everybody. I loved being at Derwen and finding my voice."
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