Student Spotlight - Debbie Matthews
“I would highly recommend anyone to further their knowledge by studying here. Don’t let your age put you off, you're never too old to learn.”
In this week’s blog, we meet a mature student who decided to return to education to expand her knowledge and skillset to improve her career opportunities.
Can you introduce yourself?
Debbie Matthew, I live in Crieff.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
It’s the most local College/Uni for me living in Crieff. I know a lot of people who have studied at UHI Perth, and they have highly recommended it.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Working in an office.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I worked in banking until the bank closures started to happen, I then worked as a tax adviser for ministers of religion. Unfortunately, on the 27 March 2016 at the age of 40, I had a major stroke and spent the next year and a half in rehabilitation learning to walk, talk and do basic day-to-day things. Once I finally got back to being me again, and my health was improving, it was time to go back to work. I worked in an office doing basic bookkeeping and admin. Six years on, I decided I wanted to learn more, and Accounting and Finance has always interested me. I wanted to understand accounting better and improve my skills which would allow me to get a more suitable job in finance. I decided to apply for a place at UHI Perth in 2023 and, to my surprise and delight, I was offered a place.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
The content has been vast, and I have learnt so much that I am putting into practice every day. My tutors have been the best thing about my course, they are knowledgeable, kind and patient. I have really enjoyed studying business law as part of my course.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
There is so many things I have achieved whilst studying. During my research skills project, I decided to put my research into life, and I wrote letters to the local supermarkets asking if they would donate fruit for the exams, as a healthy diet helps you concentrate. Tesco’s have been donating free fruit for all students whilst doing exams which I feel is a major moment.
Charlene White, Tesco Shift Leader/ Community Champion, commented: "Debbie reached out to see if we could support with the study to see if eating fruit before/during an exam helps with overall performance. Tesco strives to promote healthy eating as well as supporting the local community, so this felt right to support."
Charlene and Debbie
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I have learnt so much during the course. The Spreadsheets module with Simon Fraser was great - I have implemented new spreadsheets at work and at home. I started day one in spreadsheets feeling overwhelmed, but Simon put me at ease, and I have actually really enjoyed this module. The whole course has been a hugely vast curriculum and I have learnt so much - payroll, business law, business contractual relationships, sage, cost accounting, management accounting, financial accounting, economics. My confidence has increased drastically.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
No, I have a part-time job in an office.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
The lecturers have been so supportive. Without their knowledge, help, and compassion I would never have got through my course. My PAT Liz has been so supportive, and I don’t know what I would have done without her.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
Passing the course so far is a major plus.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
UHI Perth has great facilities for students - coffee shops, restaurants, gym, a theatre department where you can see musical theatre shows for a discount. The library has a great selection of physical books and online resources, the staff are very helpful. The IT suite in the Brahan building is a great place to study. The additional support available is great and having additional support needs made my learning journey so much easier and better. Having a PAT has helped me immensely to get through my course. Being a campus that really focusses on inclusiveness is a major plus.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
Loved studying here, I’ve made lots of new friends and we will carry on being friends even after our studies. So many laughs and tears but all good.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I am part of an amateur dramatic club where I love to get on stage and perform, we do pantomimes and a summer production.
What are your future career plans?
I now have a new job as a Finance Manager for a company in Crieff where I am working part-time just now until I finish my studies. The company has offered me a full-time position starting in June. I am planning to do more modules the next academic year and definitely at UHI Perth whilst working.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Don’t hesitate about studying at UHI Perth, it is a great campus and everything you need is available. The support from all the staff is amazing - from the girls at reception, to the cafes/shop, to the lecturers. We are so lucky in Perth to have such a great place to study. I would highly recommend anyone to further their knowledge by studying here. Don’t let your age put you off, you're never too old to learn.
