Sam Goodwillie (27) from Raploch, Stirling won Most Inspirational Student in the Department of Creative, Digital & Leisure Industries award at Forth Valley College’s 2023 graduation event.
Sam, who also graduated with a BA Art and Design revealed he originally chose to apply to FVC as he was sick of being in dead end jobs where he knew I wasn’t valued, especially as he had a family to provide for.
He said: “I wanted to be able to give my family the best version of myself that I could, so I asked myself what I liked to do and the answer to this was to take photos, and college was the way for me to do that and make a living out of it.
“Everyone was great with me from the start of my NC Photography, straight through my HNC, HND and of course my BA degree. When times got hard, all of my lecturers were there to help and really did go above and beyond to help me continue to grow and learn, while dealing with outside situations. Photography wise they helped me unbelievable amounts. I did not have a camera when I started college, but they helped me learn every single thing I know about photography now.
“Having my own family and my wife working self-employed meant there were a few barriers to overcome. My time at College worked around school hours and supported me whenever I needed the help. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the College.
“Everything I know now is due to the lecturers at Forth Valley College. They gave me a great base point for learning and things really did stick when I was learning. They helped me start my adventure up and gave me a lot of tips on social media and marketing, that otherwise I would have struggled with.
“I would recommend Forth Valley College as it's a great learning adventure, nothing like school where you are told what you are learning and when you will learn it. At College you go in for a specific field and that is what you learn, no question is a stupid one and the lecturers go above and beyond to those who they see want to go far.
“There are many best bits, but I think the best one for me were the graded units, as you got to do your own thing and create a project that was completely your own. You got help and support if you needed it along the way, but it was something that was your own idea and it was great when you received good feedback from it as you felt you had really done something right.
“Forth Valley College is a great place to grow your potential and get the help you need to go forward that you otherwise wouldn’t get, you learn a lot of tips and tricks in whatever field you go for, and you get to meet some great lecturers along the way who are in the job specifically to help and support you.
“What I loved the most about College was having lecturers who actually lived the career path you were choosing, you got to learn some amazing things from seasoned professional that will help your business. I met some amazing people at the College who helped me along the way and I will never forget them for the rest of my life for what they have done for me the last few years. Every lecturer went above and beyond for me and never ever gave up on me when times got tough, and for that I am forever thankful.”