Student Spotlight - Blandyna Borasińska-Sheikh
“What I liked the most was the variety, the possibility of gaining knowledge in various fields - focused on my future work.”
In this week’s blog, we met an international student who wanted to change something in her life. Having successfully completed a range of courses, she chats to us about her progression story at Perth College UHI.
What is your name, and where are you from?
Blandyna Borasińska-Sheikh and I’m from Poland.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI?
I went to college for an ESOL course. During this course, I decided to take the Health and Social Care course - last year it was NQ Level 5 and this year it is Health and Social Care NQ Level 6.
What were you doing before you came to college?
First of all, I am a mum of two – a 7-year-old boy and 5-year-old daughter. In addition, I run my own business as a speech therapist and work in the Polish Saturday School as teacher of a group of seven-year-olds and a speech therapist. This was what I was focusing on before I went to college.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I wanted to change something in my life. The experiences of recent years have made me look in this direction. The health problems of my grandmother, and later my mother, showed me that I have the strength and predisposition to care for others, so I decided to gain knowledge in order to be able to do my future job in the best possible way.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
What I liked the most was the variety, the possibility of gaining knowledge in various fields focused on my future work. It allows me to look at the situation of the people in care more broadly.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
The pandemic struck me during my first course – ESOL - almost in the middle of the academic year and it had a huge impact on me. The sudden cut off from college, from people, from the group, being locked up at home, and not being able to pass the final exam had a lot to do with my commitment. Fortunately, the lecturers turned out to be very supportive and helpful for which I am grateful.
Thanks to this, starting the next course - which was Health and Social Care - was much easier, despite the fact that the lessons were held online throughout. The teachers did great in these difficult times and did their best to help us achieve the most during the year.
Fortunately, we were able to return to college this academic year, at least in part, which has had a very positive effect on both - my commitment and my wellbeing. I could feel part of this place.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
A moment that I will remember for a long time is returning to college after more than a year of staring at the face on the screen (or simply squares with the name on it). Suddenly, the figures got legs, but lost their faces - the opportunity to meet teachers and colleges from the group, see them live, complete the picture, and verify it with the imaginary image was a great happiness. But at the same time, unfortunately, the faces covered with masks did not allow us to fully enjoy the experience and meetings.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I am proud that last year I managed to reach Level 6 in communication, numeracy, and ITC - even though it was enough to pass Level 5. The self-denial and effort put into it gave me my little success.
Have you done a placement or work experience, as part of your course?
When I started this year's course, I was very focused on the health sector, but the situation made me do my placement at ESOL Perth, thanks to kindness of Linda El-Miligy. My placement concerned the social sector and it turned out that this type of work also gives me great satisfaction.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
Thanks to the professionalism, but also warmth of the lecturers I met during the courses, the time spent in college was really enjoyable.
The location of the college allows for walks during breaks, which helps to take a breather and regenerate. Also, the fact that the classes of a given course are held in one building work to the advantage and providing some stabilisation. Buildings have their pros and cons, but generally the College provides the most necessary things to learn.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?
Mainly thanks to the lecturers working at the college, I can say that the years spent here were a really pleasant time, which I hope will have a positive effect on my future.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
Out of college, I'm mainly a mother and I try to instil a love of nature in my kids. We love walks in forests and beaches. Fortunately, our area provides everything we could want - hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and the sea - all within reach, allowing us to enjoy the closeness of nature.
What are your plans, for after you finish your course?
Since both children are already at school, I will be able to devote myself to work in the direction I have chosen. I hope that after college, I will find a job that will give me as much happiness as preparing for it during the course.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
A new student may feel concerned about the huge space, the different way of learning and, in the case of people from other countries, the language barrier. However, the most important thing is not to give up and pursue your chosen goal. Fortunately, college staff provide support at every stage of learning, and it is worth reaching for it in case of loss of confidence.
