David Chapman (42) from Alloa is currently in year three of his BA Art and Design at Forth Valley College.
He has found his calling in photography and cites the FVC lecturers as the perfect inspiration for him to transform his life.
He said: “I had attended Forth Valley College twice before, once for Highers, the other for an HND Building Surveying. It is local to me and offered exactly the course I needed with good progression.
“The Lecturers are second to none, especially in the photography department. There is a good range of facilities for us to use from the Learning Resource Centre, the restaurants and canteens, to the gym.
“The College has transformed my life. I will, all being well, leave College with an honours degree. But more importantly, for the first time in my life I feel I have the skills and ability to pursue a career which I will love.
“The College has helped me with my confidence, skills, encouragement and networking.
“I would recommend the professional facilities and equipment the students have access to is absolutely brilliant, especially in the Photography studio. This is a really great way to gain insight and, most importantly critique from peers and industry professionals, which really helps students develop as professional photographers.
“The best bit for me was the end of year show as it was a really great experience. Having members of the public view and react to your work without knowing who you are, is a really honest way to judge the reception of your work.
“I would recommend College as you can gain a qualification that will be with you forever and the knowledge is not a heavy thing to carry. More importantly, the confidence that comes from learning and developing new skills goes far beyond the subject you choose.
“The thing I loved the most was the creative space and being surrounded by talented people is a really exciting and inspiring place to learn and is a great motivator.”