Student Spotlight - Rachel Thomson
“I loved studying at UHI Perth - the highlight was definitely my class and lecturers. The relationships I have made here are the most special to me.”
Having graduated from her course this year, we caught up with Rachel to find out how she enjoyed her time at UHI Perth and to see what she is up to now.
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Rachel Thomson, I am 21 years old, and I grew up in Dundee.
What course did you study at UHI Perth?
I studied the BA (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Textiles Education course at UHI Perth.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
When I was applying for university courses, it was actually my Home Economics teacher that encouraged me to apply for this course. A previous student had applied and was loving it and she said that it would be the perfect course for me.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I came to UHI Perth straight out of school. I left in sixth year knowing that this was the right step for me.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I always wanted to be a teacher. Initially I had my heart set on primary teaching but after completing work experience in a primary school I realised that it was not the right path for me. I had always loved home economics at school, and I would not have gotten through my last few years at school without the support of the department. It only felt right to pursue a career as a Home Economics teacher after that. I fell in love with every aspect of the subject despite not having much experience in some aspects. In high school, I was deemed an academic student, but Home Economics was not considered an academic subject so many of the Home Economic subjects we offered I was not allowed to take. Which is why UHI Perth’s FNTE course was the perfect choice for me. We covered so much of what our subject has to offer, and it gave me the opportunity to build up my skills and confidence.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course was the amazing people I got to meet. Classmates and lecturers, we were all so supportive of each other’s journeys and loved celebrating our successes with one another. I couldn’t have done it without them.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
There are so many standout and memorable moments from the course. We had so much fun and spent 90% of our time laughing. However, one moment that really stands out for me was on a placement at a school back home. I was asked to make robin costumes for their primary school’s nativity. I had so much fun making their little costumes and seeing their little faces light up when they put them on was amazing. The school were so grateful, and I absolutely loved seeing them all on stage.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you now that you have graduated from UHI Perth?
Home Economics offers a wide range of subjects all with different skills and this course covered all of them. I learned so much about cooking and cake decorating from Neil, nutrition from Rhonda, food safety and hygiene and food science with Gemma, but by far my favourite subject was textiles with Kirstie. I loved the textile modules so much and I learned so much from Kirstie. We completed placements every year and I was very lucky to have visited such a wide range of schools during my time at UHI Perth. These experiences and the knowledge and skills learned shaped me into the teacher I am now.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
We completed placements every year and I was lucky enough to get to visit so many schools which all gave me different, yet equally amazing experiences. During my time at UHI Perth I also volunteered at Edinburgh College at their textile night classes ran by Kirstie where I learned so much from her. I can now safely say I can make her tote bag with my eyes closed; I’ve watched it done so many times! I learned more about Additional Support Needs and how to support them in different ways and have left with more knowledge and skills on fashion and textiles. It was an amazing opportunity, and I can’t thank Kirstie enough for allowing me to be a part of it.
Were your lecturers supportive during your studies?
The lecturers were incredibly supportive. I went through a pretty rough and dark time in my last years of my studies, and they supported me through it all. I honestly cannot thank them enough.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
In our last year of studies, there was a ‘Fashion Through the Decades’ showcase which showed our class - and the class below ours - dresses that we made as part of our textile’s unit. I was awarded the award for personal development in textiles which I was extremely grateful for.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I loved our campus - having the professional kitchens and the home economics kitchen was extremely helpful for our studies as we were learning in environments beneficial to our future careers.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I loved studying at UHI Perth - the highlight was definitely my class and lecturers. The relationships I have made here are the most special to me.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Outside of my studies, I danced and performed in a lot of musical theatre shows. Looking back on it now, I honestly don’t know how I fit everything in!
What are your future career plans now that you have graduated?
Now that I have graduated, I have moved to Aberdeen and started my job as a Home Economics teacher in the school I did one of my last placements at. It is tough being a single person department in my probation year, but I have the support of my colleagues, friends, and lecturers from UHI Perth to reassure me.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Go for it! Yes, there will be times that you are stressed and overwhelmed but the support you receive from everyone at UHI Perth will get you through those tough times. Enjoy it! Take every opportunity you can with both hands. Most of all - have fun!!
