Student Spotlight - Sophie Morris
“The accomplishment, pride, and confidence you will feel after completing even the smallest tasks in these courses, will have a huge impact on your personal life and really helps you to become the best you that you can be.”
After looking for a new direction to gain confidence, Sophie decided to return to education with a one-year distance learning course. She chats to us about her experience ⬇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Sophie Morris, I am 23 years old, and I am an adult student at Perth College UHI. I reside in Crieff and I moved here from the Isle of Skye almost five years ago after completing a crofting course and acquiring a position as a general farm worker for Aviagen.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI?
I am currently in my second year of a one-year distance learning course called Essential Skills for Teacher Training, due to personal struggles with learning - as well as suffering from mental health and long-term health conditions - I found it incredibly difficult to do my work. The first year I attempted the course it was a completely different lecturer and completely different style of learning.
Fiona Campbell supported me in year two, and I have never known support and such quick responses like it. She helps me to focus and gives me the motivation to complete my tasks, as well as find enjoyment in doing my work.
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
I heard about Perth College UHI online and through word of mouth as I wanted to further my education and open up more avenues in regard to potential careers.
What were you doing before you came to college?
Before I came to college, I was working as a general farm worker for Aviagen. I do not want to continue working a job that isn’t right for me after completing this course, I would like to try something new and have the confidence to do so.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about this course is that I get a lot of help and support when I need it, Fiona helps you to achieve your goals by providing motivation in a kind and enthusiastic way, which in turn helps you to feel rewarded when completing the tasks as her feedback is always kind and constructive. I felt like I couldn’t complete tasks at the beginning, but that quickly changed and now I feel as though I can do anything that is thrown at me with little to no support or help.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Every time I complete an essay, or something new, it is memorable for me as I feel incredibly accomplished and that my hard work is worth something. The entire course that Fiona has taught me, has taught me more than I learned in English during high school. I have learned how to write a critical essay on a variety of genres, and I have learned how to analyse texts as well as learn how to listen to a speech more effectively in order to obtain the messages within. I have always struggled with understanding when people speak to me due to my health conditions, and I still do, but I have more confidence and less anxiety when it comes to those tasks.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
I started this course after having had my first child during COVID at 22 years old and I truly didn’t have a good time with the course initially. But Fiona helped support me and changed that around, as when I was re-enrolled onto the course, I then became pregnant with my second baby and suffered severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This had a huge impact on my ability to sit down and do my work for the first few months of the course. Now that I am better, I have been working hard to do the best I can.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I have always had a huge interest in writing since I was a young teenager, but I currently have a huge interest in streaming on Twitch and playing video games in my spare time. This is the career path/hobby I wish to work hard on, and I feel that this course has taught me a lot and helped to unclog the fog in my brain which was stopping me from following my dreams and has helped me to be proud of my accomplishments as well as gain a lot more confidence in my abilities.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
My advice to people who are thinking about studying at Perth College UHI, would be to go for it. Apply to the course(s) that take your interest, if you are struggling then ask for help as they are more than happy to do so. Don’t be afraid to tell your lecturer what they can do to support you, or help motivate you, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help with mental health. The accomplishment, pride, and confidence you will feel after completing even the smallest tasks in these courses, will have a huge impact on your personal life and really helps you to become the best you that you can be.
