Alumni Spotlight - Serena Grant
When Serena finished school, she was unsure what direction she wanted her life to take. However, after gaining some life experience working for the NHS, she found her calling in life. She shares her story with us 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Serena Grant and I’m from Blairgowrie.
What course did you study at Perth College UHI?
HNC Care and Administrative Practice, which I finished in 2021.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
I first heard about Perth College UHI through my school, Blairgowrie High School.
What were you doing before you came to Perth College UHI?
When I left school in 2016, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. Most of my friends had known what they wanted to do for their whole lives and were getting ready to go to university. I decided to work for a year or so, until I gained some life experience. I started to work for the NHS as a healthcare support worker. What was meant to be a year turned into 4, as I loved working for the NHS. It was a job that was so rewarding.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I decided to take the plunge and apply for the HNC Care and Administrative Practice course through the NHS. It was provided by Perth College UHI and this then granted me a place into the 2nd year of adult nursing at the University of Dundee. This course prepared me very well for university and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of working in health or social care.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
The amazing people I met. This course also enabled me to gain skills I can use throughout my studies and my career.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
The most memorable moment from this course was that it happened during the pandemic, so it required a lot of online learning. This was a new experience for me.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving Perth College UHI?
I gained a lot of nursing knowledge and skills, as well as academic and literacy skills. Doing the course online also educated me on IT.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
As it was mostly online, it did come with its struggles. The staff were amazing and could not have been any better with their support.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at Perth College UHI?
Yes, I had 3 clinical nursing placements.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
A personal achievement during this course, was that I passed with an A. I put in a lot of hard work, and it was nice to see it all pay off.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I am still studying adult nursing at the University of Dundee.
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
This course has greatly prepared me for my future studies. There is no better and more rewarding job than being a student nurse, nurses are the purest humans and know what it is to be humane. I’ve met so many amazing people. Inspiring patients to better their health is a part of the role, but no one tells you that most of the time your patients inspire you and your practice.
What are your future career plans?
Once I graduate from Dundee University, I plan to become a registered staff nurse. I hope to work for the NHS and then possibly travel around the world nursing. I would love to volunteer in Africa.
Did you enjoy studying at Perth College UHI?
I did enjoy studying at Perth College UHI, I met amazing friends and the staff were brilliant.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
I would tell them to do it! Studying here has given me skills and knowledge that I will carry with me throughout my entire career. It’s a great college.
