Jeremaiah Mangena

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an open day prior to starting college? 

I wanted to play basketball, that was the most important thing, so I just searched “Basketball, North East” and that’s when I found the Newcastle College Eagles Academy. 

Basketball was the original reason I wanted to come to the college, but while I was applying, I spoke to the course leader at the time, and he made me feel really welcome. He genuinely seemed excited to have me, and I think that really motivated me to enrol on the course.  

Do you know if you have any tutors with industry experience and if so? Has that helped you? 

The tutors give really good advice. One of my teachers has previous business experience and he always relates what we're learning to his own experiences while at work. I think it’s good see what we’re learning about from the perspective of somebody who's done it first-hand.  

Have you overcome any challenges while on your course, and if so, how has the college helped you? 

I was very far behind when I first started this course. Although I did feel that I needed to catch up, the teachers were understanding of the situation. It was still a hard adjustment but I feel like the college was helpful. I speak to somebody called Hannah once a week and it's just nice to just speak to somebody and have that mental clarity. 

What would you say you enjoy most about your course? 

I feel like my favourite thing about the course is the class discussions; I really like listening to different people's ideas and opinions on how a business should move. It’s really great to practise thinking outside the box and to discover new ways to solve problems. There are 20,000 different ways to solve any given problem, there's no one right way, you can get to the same result by taking different routes. 

How is the course benefitting you? 

The course is opening my mind, because we  cover a wide range of topics, from international business, all the way to marketing and about how different colours affect peoples emotions and influence what they buy.  

What would you like to do when you finish your course? 

When I finish my course, I hope to either go to university or do an apprenticeship. 

How long have you been part of the Eagles Academy? 

I joined in 2023, and it was a massive adjustment because I came from having maybe one training session a week to now training nine times a week, so it takes a toll but the improvement is vast. 

What's it like to play in the Eagles Vertu Motors Arena?

Playing at the Eagles Arena is actually amazing! The court, the facilities, the staff, it's all so great! I've never played against such good players and these players are such great characters as well. When I first joined, I expected some people to be arrogant but all the guys that I play with are great people. 

How did you find out about the Eagles Academy? 

I have always known about the Eagles; if you play basketball in the North East, you know about the Newcastle Eagles. So, I think the reason why I didn't join earlier was just because I lived in Durham with my mum. 

How do you balance your studies with training? 

I try to take advantage of the time I’m on campus, so whenever I'm not in a lesson I’m in the learning zone. I also stay here and work sometimes after lessons if I have training after. 

Has the college supported you in any way in relation to the time you dedicate to the Eagles Academy? 

Yes, the college has been really understanding. I get authorised absences when my games clash with lessons, which isnt very often, so it doesn't affect my attendance. I also get loads of support from my teachers, so it's clear they want to see me do well. 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

My ambitions for the future used to be like to be around success or money, but I feel like my genuine ambition now is to feel like I'm waking up doing my purpose, whatever that may be. If it's not basketball one day, then it's not basketball. But I know that no matter what I do, I will put 100% effort into it.