Student Spotlight - Niamh Anderson
If you’re looking to develop a sound understanding of outdoor activity leadership and develop personal competencies in a range of outdoor activities, then studying at UHI Perth will allow you to gain the experience and qualifications needed to pursue employment within the outdoor sector. After finishing high school, Niamh came to UHI Perth for a one-year course.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Niamh Anderson and I’m from Fife.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m currently studying the one-year Outdoor Activities and Leadership NQ.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I found it myself. I was taking a year out before going to university and was keen to do something fun and related to the outdoors and came across the one-year course that covered everything that I was interested in.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before UHI Perth, I was in my last year of high school with two part-time jobs.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I choose the course because I love the outdoors and being on the water. I work very closely with younger scouts, which was another reason I choose the course as I can share the things, I learn with them and those involved in the movement.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite part of the course is the things I’m getting to take from it. For example, I recently did my paddle sports Instructor training meaning I can now take a group of people out onto water and lead a fun paddleboarding session. I also think the things I’ve done on the course have been amazing, we went out and met the Tayside Mountain Rescue, not to mention all the fantastic days out I’ve had up in the hills climbing and hiking.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Memorable moments for me have just been some of the extreme days out we’ve had and things we have done as a group. We went to Splash a couple of weeks ago to do canyoning and it was genuinely such a fun day out, we were jumping off cliffs into bodies of water and just having a right laugh. The First Aid course we did also stands out to me because we worked closely as a class and made a difficult qualification fun and enjoyable.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I’ve learnt that as an individual I can do a lot more than I think I can. I’ve learnt more about leadership and working with a group of people with mixed abilities, as well as all the practical skills I have learnt for different activities which are helping me get scouting PVGs.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Chris and Kieran have been very supportive all the way through the course, whether that be with course work or if I ever can’t make it into college for some reason. They are constantly working to make each day interactive and enjoyable. They are also very open to sharing their own experiences and knowledge with us whenever we ask.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I have been awarded the colleges ‘Sports and Fitness Shield of Academic Excellence’.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I love that the campus has a climbing wall onsite which I frequently use. I also think that having Willowgate Activity Centre so close by is very beneficial because they have some amazing facilities there too.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have really enjoyed studying at UHI Perth, as I’ve mentioned before my highlights are the people I’ve met, the things I have done and the experiences’ I am taking away from the course.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I am involved in the Scouts and love going on fun adventures with my friends. I have my own paddleboard which I love to go on, especially in the summertime when the water is clear and calm.
What are your future career plans?
My future plan is to go to university to study Adult Nursing. I then wish to take that knowledge and do a bit of travelling and help people around the world.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
There’s something for everyone at UHI, so go for it! Its an amazing campus filled with great people.
