News Sky News Broadcaster back at Collyer’s 21.01.2021

Former Collyer’s student Ashna Hurynag “virtually” returned to the Ofsted Outstanding sixth form college this week to take part in a lively zoomed Q&A session with Deputy Principal, Steve Martell, and a group of Collyer’s students. Ashna, who is a broadcast journalist with Sky News, gave a fascinating insight into the professional world of television news and the variety of progression routes in this field. She also spoke passionately about her work and the importance of equality and diversity in journalism. Students asked questions about her time on ITV and Sky News and the stories she is proudest of in her career so far. In addition, Ashna was quizzed about her role models, who include: her mum and dad, Sir Trevor McDonald, Anna Botting, Mark Austin and fellow former Collyer’s student Holly Willoughby, who she really enjoyed being interviewed by!

Steve Martell said: “It was an honour to welcome Ashna back. Her former teachers and I remember her fondly and I’m delighted that she’s accepted the chance to become a Collyer’s Alumni Ambassador. For somebody who has enjoyed such massive success, including a Royal Television Society Award, Ashna remains refreshingly down to earth and genuinely wants to help and inspire the next generation. She’s a special person who will make a difference.”

Student Sulaimaan Azoor said: “’It was great of Ashna to come back and speak to us. She’s incredibly modest for somebody who has been so successful since leaving our outstanding college. Her answers were insightful and by having another excellent guest interviewed at today’s employability session, it gave us the opportunity to understand that by taking advice from our teachers, it can lead to a brilliant career like working as a news reporter.”

Ashna said: “I have fond memories of my time at the college so it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I always really enjoyed Steve’s classes and it was an honour to speak to these Collyers students as an Alumni Ambassador. Some of them are about to enter the world of work and others will be stepping into higher education. I hope my attempt to impart some advice and words of reassurance helps them feel hopeful about their futures. Even if one student goes on to fulfil their ambitions, I’d be over the moon.”

Student Liberty Farley said: “Ashna was really witty and inspiring, and provided us with lots of useful advice to help anyone, particularly those looking into a similar career path as her. It was kind of her to return to Collyer’s and take part in our Q&A.”

Steve added: “We are proud of Ashna, Horsham should be proud of Ashna. After studying at Millais School and Collyer’s, she has cultivated a great career in broadcast journalism and all within the Collyer’s community hope the success story continues!”

Principal Dan Lodge said: “Ashna is a hugely inspirational role model for our students and we are incredibly grateful to her for actively working with the next generation. She is an outstanding Alumni Ambassador.”