Great praise after brave Jade stands tall
College chiefs have praised a Sunderland student who conquered her fear of heights to become a sail trainee.
We first told the story of intrepid Jade Roper on these pages last month.
We described how the University of Sunderland student’s fear of heights meant she almost did not take up the chance to sail with the Stavros S Niarchos last year.
But Jade overcame her fears to experience the adventure of a lifetime and Mikeala Morgans, Programme Leader in BA (Hons) Primary Education QTS at the University, said: “Jade’s determination and resilience during last year’s Tall Ships Race enabled her to challenge herself through new experiences.
“She has been able to use the skills she learned in her development as a trainee primary school teacher and in her volunteering role as a Girl Guide Leader.
“Completing another challenge during this year’s Tall Ships Race - with it being at St Peter’s Campus where Jade studies – makes us proud.
“She will be a fantastic crew member with her can do attitude and positivity. We are all wish her the best of luck and are very excited to hear about her latest adventures when she returns to University.”
Jade, 18, from Sunderland is studying Primary Education at the University of Sunderland. However, this summer Jade will reach for the stars again when Tall Ships Races arrive on Wearside.
She boards the Lord Nelson ship on July 13 ready for her 2018 adventure.
She said: “After last year, I knew this was something I wanted to do again. It had been incredible, the best thing I’d ever done in my life.
“I filled in an application form for the 2018 race, knowing that it was coming to Sunderland and knowing that I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity of going again.”
Jade, who is in the first year of her teacher training degree, will be on board the Lord Nelson for the celebrations in the city before heading off with the crew for the crossing to Esbjerg in Denmark on July 14.