Student Spotlight - Ember Laing
“One of the best things I’ll take away from this course has been the social skills I’ve developed since starting.”
Not everyone knows what they want to study when they leave school, and some may need a little support to be able to follow their chosen career path. The New Opportunities team at UHI Perth work closely with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to maximise student opportunities for education, employment and training. The team also works closely with PKC, Mindspace and with other curriculum areas across UHI Perth to deliver the best learning experience for each individual student.
In this week’s blog we meet a student who started their journey in the Social and Vocational Studies department and is now flourishing as a New Opportunities student.
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Ember Laing and I’m from Scotland. I grew up mostly in Spittalfield but I now live in Rattray.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I’m currently on the Moving On course, which I came on after finishing the SVS course.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I chose to come to UHI Perth after being recommended it by my school, Moore House Academy in Dunkeld.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I was in high school at Moore House Academy Dunkeld which was quite rocky because I joined them when they were still New School Butterstone (before they closed in 2018). They were later purchased by Moore House and re-opened in May 2019, but work was interrupted quite a bit when Covid hit but it was overall a good school with very kind staff.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I chose to go on this course as I am not sure what I want to do as a job, so this has been a good way of keeping active and developing social skills and has taught me more about how I might live independently in the future.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about this course, and being at UHI Perth in general, has been the people - whether it be my classmates, or lecturers, or even the staff in the canteen, almost everyone has been really nice to be around.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Probably one of the best days on this course was when we got meet some Thera-pets in the Brahan building. We all went and said hello to them all and they were so sweet and cuddly.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
One of the best things I’ll take away from this course has been the social skills I’ve developed since starting. I’ve also learned quite a bit about other cultures and religions, such as what holidays they observe and what food they eat, among other things.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
No, but we have been doing an employability course with the YMCA, which is helping us with writing CV’s, job hunting and identifying our own skills and qualities.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
The lecturers on this course have been extremely supportive, they are always there if you need help with anything or if you need a quiet space to chill for a minute.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The campus is great; I almost always go and sit in the garden by the Goodlyburn Building during break times. It’s quiet, has got pretty flowers, birds to watch and is an all-round nice spot. The facilities have also been great, we often go the ASW on Mondays and use the gym hall to play games such as badminton, basketball, pickle ball and more. Another thing to mention is the coffee, the Costa coffee available in Goodlyburn has been something I look forward to most days, I get an ‘oat milk latte with caramel’ in case you were curious!
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Studying at UHI Perth has definitely been enjoyable, although I liked some of high school, it pales in comparison to how good it’s been here at the college.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
When I don’t have anything going on, I'll spend most of my time playing video games, listening to music, practice drawing, or walking my dog. Video games are definitely my biggest hobby though, and as for what games I play, my most played genre is roguelike/lites.
What are your future career plans?
I haven’t really picked anything specific for what I want to do as a career yet, but I'm leaning toward something that involves animals, so maybe SSPCA, pet grooming, dog walker, pet daycare, etc. Because I'm not much of an extrovert, the company of animals appeals to me more.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I'd say to never be scared of asking someone for help because everyone (that I’ve met) is friendly here and willing to help. Also, the coffee is good (in my opinion).
