Student Spotlight - Sam Ford
“My favorite thing about the course is how many options it gives you for progression.”
After taking a break from studying due to the pandemic and the shift in learning, Sam returned to UHI Perth to continue her studies. She chats to us about her experience 👇
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Sam Ford and I’m from Coupar Angus in Scotland.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m studying Level 5 Social Sciences, but I came to Perth UHI in 2019 after finishing high school and did HNC Administration and IT.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about UHI through my high school and also from friends and family recommending it to me when I was considering what to do after school.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I left UHI Perth in 2020 when the pandemic started - after getting my HNC in Admin and IT because I couldn’t cope with online schooling. I then went and worked at the 2 Sisters Food Group chicken factory in Coupar Angus for two years full-time before switching to part-time so I could come back to UHI Perth and continue my studies.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I decided to pick this course because all of the different subject areas are things I have personal interest in such as History, Politics and Sociology.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favorite thing about the course is how many options it gives you for progression. There are many different subjects within Social Sciences which can lead to a variety of different careers in the future.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
One of my favorite parts of the course was the ‘Working with Others’ class where I worked with two of my friends on the course to create and present a lecture about a topic of our choice.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
One thing that will help me is the confidence boost the course has given me. I have always had issues with socialising with others so the opportunity to socialise with other people my age and with older people in the same field I want to work in.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
The lecturers have been very supportive and easy to work with on this course and always willing to help with coursework or other issues.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I like the library and all of the good resources to help with all courses like the books and computers. I also like that free sanitary products are provided in the bathrooms.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I really enjoyed my time at UHI Perth, but a part I really liked is how friendly everyone is and how comfortable the campus is.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Outside of college I have many hobbies including reading, writing, and gaming.
What are your future career plans?
I’m still trying to come to a decision but my main options for now are: Get a degree in History and work in museums; or get into Politics somehow.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I would recommend that they use the full facilities that UHI Perth provides, such as the library. When I originally studied here, I never used the library and I feel like things would’ve been easier if I had used the library and its computers and textbooks.
