Student Spotlight - Karolina Samerek
“I think that studying at Perth College UHI is a great opportunity to learn and expand individual skills, but also a chance to get to know yourself and new people.”
Karolina started her journey at Perth College UHI to broaden her knowledge and confidence with the English language. Now on her third course, she chats to us about her experience.
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Karolina Samerek and I come from Radom – Poland - but since 2005, Perth has been my home.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI, and what year are you currently in?
In 2018, I started my studies at Perth College UHI on the ESOL Course, which I finished with the FCE exam and then continued my development on the NQ Administration course. I am currently in the second semester of HND Administration and IT Technology.
What were you doing before you came to college?
Before I started my adventure at Perth College UHI, I was working a night shift at Tesco - where I still work, but on a day shift.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
The choice of this course is the result of certain life situations. I started with Perth College UHI in 2017, where I chose the NC Care course. Unfortunately, my mother fell ill and due to the constant travel between Poland and Scotland, I had to give it up. As I am not from Scotland, I wanted to get a certificate confirming my knowledge of English and the next year I chose ESOL. This course allowed me to gain self-confidence, broadened my knowledge of the English language, and gave me one of the most valuable things - friendships. After this course, I decided that the Administration and IT course would be the best option for my development.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
The favourite part of this course for me is the variety of subjects. Learning subjects such as Word Processing or Excel - as well as the basics of payroll, customer law, or HR - gives you basic knowledge in various fields. Thanks to this, I know what interests me personally and I can focus my learning on a specific direction and gain more skills.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
I was in the second semester of the NQ course when we got a message during the lesson that it was our last day in college. It was a time of fear and uncertainty for everyone, but everyone gave 200% of their commitment. HNC and HND were all online and both the lecturers and the staff of the college demonstrated professionalism and support every day. Many lecturers not only helped in the work related to their subjects, but also provided support in everyday life. Thanks to their commitment, I had the feeling that I could come with any issue not only related to the college.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I think that was the moment when I spoke with one of the lecturers on the Care course. My situation at that time was complicated and talking to him allowed me to make the right decision. He probably doesn't know about it, but for me it was a very important and influencing conversation.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
My English, word resources, and spelling have certainly been enhanced. My ability to use IT skills has also improved, which has given me confidence and will allow me to apply for a job in the future.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The places that college offers, and that I value the most, are the gym and the library. The gym offers organised activities that I like very much, and I attend regularly - such as Yoga or Pump it up. The library is a place that I used before very often during lunch breaks, where we learned together with my friends from the course.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?
Studying at Perth College UHI gives me great satisfaction. Like everyone, I have bad days and I can't motivate myself, but the support of my classmates shows me that I am not alone in this. Personally, I preferred college where you could meet people face to face, but online learning has its advantages too. I can be in my pyjamas during lessons 😉
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
During my ESOL Course, I met a group of crazy girls with whom I practice wild swimming. Since then, we meet regularly to dip in the waters of the North Sea - especially in winter. Fantastic experience and highly recommended.
Hill walking and wild camping are also my passion. Whenever I can, I pack my backpack and tent and enjoy the wildness of nature and the beauty that Scotland offers us. I try to convince my son to my passion, who is not always willing to give up playing on PS4 in exchange for a few miles walk uphill!😉
Books are another hobby that occupy a large part of my life. I enjoy reading crimes, solving detective puzzles, or looking for murderers together with Harlen Coben or Stephen King.
What are your plans, for after you finish your course?
After completing this course, I would like to find a full-time job as an Administrator. I hope that the skills I gained during the course, but also the work placement, will allow me to achieve this goal.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
I think that studying at Perth College UHI is a great opportunity to learn and expand individual skills, but also a chance to get to know yourself and know new people. It is a good environment both for young people who are still not sure what they want to do in their life, and for adults who want change something in their lives. Even when I am raising a child by myself, and working part-time, I can combine my studies thanks to the support that college offers. Highly recommended.
