Student Spotlight - Geraldine McLean
Studying at Perth College UHI gives you the perfect opportunity towards securing a successful future. In addition to full and part-time courses, we offer online, short, and professional development courses to help you gain additional skills or reskill towards a new career. With her children now teenagers, Geraldine decided it was time to take the first step back to working, by undertaking a course in counselling.
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Geraldine McLean. I originally come from Cobh County Cork, but I am settled and living in Scone, Perth.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI?
I am on the last module of the COSCA Counselling skills course.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
My husband studied music at Perth College UHI, over 20 years ago, and he is now doing the construction and woodwork course three days a week. My eldest son is in first year of the Popular Music degree and my daughter is doing the Hairdressing and Beauty course - so that’s four of my family who are all studying at the college.
The COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills (SCQF level 8) is aimed at a wide range of people who may benefit from improving and enhancing their communication and listening skills. This may include: guidance personnel; those working in social care and HR/Management staff. As well as offering an academic award which can be used to apply for further study, students are provided with a safe environment for personal development. The award is validated by COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland).
What were you doing before you came to college?
For the last 18/19 years, I remained at home looking after my four kids. They are all teenagers now and I was needing to take the first step back into working/connecting with the outside world.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
Because it was on a definite time - for one year and one day a week. It was something achievable and manageable for me.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
Getting to know the other students in the course. Also learning at a practical level through ‘skills practice’ on how to be a more effective communicator.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
We have been online every Friday, so a highlight was when we were offered an additional decider skills programme from the support hub. This fed into some of the theory, but was a three-day meet up to learn very practical tips for dealing with issues of stress etc. It was so good to meet the other classmates in person.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave Perth College UHI?
The listening part and learning how to be more effective in our interactions with others. Spending time in the triad exercise meant we had the chance to stop and unpack skills for listening and learned strengths quickly from others, while at the same time having the opportunity to practice those skills.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at Perth College UHI?
No, but we have had of practice of our skills in the online class setting.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
It was indicated at interview stage we would be on campus. It didn’t materialise, but we still got a great benefit from the course, although I feel there was an extra dynamic missing from the experience.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
This was a stepping stone to help me reset boundaries and a general easing of change between me and the family. One day a week set aside has been a great start and is a positive start to me beginning to do a course in mental health nurse training in September at Abertay University. This has allowed me to gently ease back into training. The content of the course helped me really question and see what area I could use these skills in and matched that to the things that motivate me.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
it’s lovely, I wish we had got there more.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI? Any highlights?
It’s been fantastic. The lecturers have been very supportive, as well as the other students.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I’m involved with a local church in discussions around mental health and addictions, to see what services are already in offer in Perth and what gaps, if any are there.
What is your future career plans?
I’m going to Abertay University to do a three-year BSs Hons Mental Health nursing degree (accelerated programme).
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
Like the Nike Ad – ‘Just Do It’.
Applications are open for this SEPTEMBER, so #FindYourFuture at Perth College UHI >>
