AJ Bouchada’s journey from student to Governor at MK College emphasises the power of following your passion and inspiring others. Now, as a successful founder and creative director, she returns to the college as a Governor, intending to give back to the college that helped shape who she is today. Here, she shares her story in her own words.

“When I first joined MK College, I was trying to find myself. Coming from an academic family, I chose a safe mix of A Levels – Maths, French, Chemistry, and Drama – but it didn’t feel right. I soon realised my real talent was in Drama. So after my first year of sixth form, I left high school and found my way to MK College.

I enrolled in the BTEC Performing Arts course in 2008, which became a turning point for me. My peers and I loved staying at college late, rehearsing, experimenting, and trying new things. It was pure passion, driven by a love of performing, without any thoughts of making a living from it. I just loved what I was doing.

In my final year at college, my tutors Michelle Lockwood, Ashley Spears, and Tim Sidall guided me to apply to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. There, I earned both a BA and an MA in Drama Applied Theatre and Education, with the aim of using drama in educational and community settings – places where I could make a real impact.

After graduation, life got real, and I faced a tough time getting a foot in the industry. I travelled to Zimbabwe and South Africa, where I met my husband. Back in the UK, I worked with the National Citizen Service (NCS), engaging with young people and setting up residential experiences. This led me back to MK College, as NCS was based there.

By 2020, I rediscovered my passion for the arts and founded Cebiso Studio with my husband. It has been a challenging but rewarding journey. The studio is our pride and joy. We have poured everything into it. We’ve worked with amazing clients like Top Gear and Hyundai, and even created visuals for the auction of Lewis Hamilton’s F1 victory car – the first AMG Petronas.

I’m thrilled to return to MK College as a Governor. A former tutor reconnected me with the College, and with encouragement from my mentor, I took on the role. I never imagined I’d join the Board of Governors, but it feels right. They wanted someone with a strong connection to young people, and my background with NCS fit the role well. It’s a role I’m still discovering, but it feels meaningful.

I’ve come to love the unique energy of Milton Keynes, from tech innovation to the creative arts scene and all the exciting things happening here. While many see London as the only place for artists, I’ve found the city to be vibrant and full of potential. I hope our students will go out, gain experiences, and then return to Milton Keynes to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation.”

To find out more about Governance at Milton Keynes College Group, visit Governance – MK College.