Carolyn Russell (43) from Larbert is currently studying for her NQ Pathways to Fitness, Health & Exercise – and is making the most of her new opportunity as a mature student.
She said: “I chose Forth Valley College as it local to where I stay and it offered a wide variety of sporting courses. After attending for an initial meeting with Chris Horne the course director, I knew I had made the correct decision. He guided me to an alternative course I did not think I would be able to apply for and talked me through the process, putting me completely at ease. Each time I spoke with him prior to starting the course, he was tremendously approachable and I was glad I chose FVC.
“The Falkirk Campus is so much more modern and up to date than its previous building, the gym is exactly what is needed. Lecturers make you feel at ease and as I am a mature student returning to full time education, in a class full of students under the age of 22, it was very daunting and I did feel completely out of place at first. However, they made me realise that although I was older, everyone had their own thoughts when starting and not to let my age get in the way.
“There are some lecturers that go above and beyond and even if you contact them at weekends and during holidays, they will get back to you offering the help needed and they really are there to make sure you pass the course, offering as much help as they can.
“My experience has benefited me. As previously discussed, I did feel my age may have been a barrier, I now know it is not and has made me so much more confident. I do not feel like the ‘Mum’ of the class, but feel part of the class.
“I have applied for HNC in sports and fitness, which I have received a conditional offer for, though I do need to pass the course I am on to secure the place. Had I not completed the current course, I would not have been able to secure a spot on the HNC. Once I have finished the next year, I plan to do my HND at university and study to be a PE teacher, so all these steps I am taking are helping me towards my end goal.
“I absolutely would recommend not only the course, but also the College. There is a high demand to get into sports at college, there are approximately 20 plus spaces in the class and hundreds of people apply, so it is a sector you need to really apply yourself to and work hard in, however, the benefits are worth it.
“All the College staff are amazing, from funding, to library, to lecturers, gym staff and beyond. I have had the privilege of dealing with staff from all different departments due to some classes on the course, and it gives you an amazing insight to just how much the college will do for you.
“All the lecturers are there because they want to be and never give you the feeling it is just a job for them. My sector offers so many different levels of classes for beginners to people ready to start on the HNC/HND route. There is also public transport passing the College regularly for people needing it, and plenty of parking for those that drive. Classes are aimed at all aspects of sports and fitness with a broad range of knowledge in the chosen field.
“The best part from me has been using this course as the basis to springboard my career from, and going on to secure my space in HNC. I have made some amazing friends along the way, and completely enjoyed the full academic year. However had I not had the help from Chris at the very start, I would have been in Level 4, needing to do Level 5 and 6. But he gave me the opportunity to go straight in at Level 6.
“College may seem daunting to someone returning to full or part time education or a big step from school however, it gives you the chance to experience developing yourself and making the best of your life. You can use college as a stepping stone to help you get into University, and understand the work load that will be in front of you, but with the added advantage of a more 1-2-1 approach with the lecturers.
“What I loved most about College was just how above and beyond a lecturer will go to help a student. I have classmates that require additional help with them living with ADHD. The lecturers are so understanding and so thoughtful, they take the time to help, they have the patience and understanding to deal with them and never have them feeling excluded. They treat you as a person and make you feel glad you are there and have chosen Forth Valley College as your future.”