GAIL MCKERRON
"I had a clear idea about what I wanted to do after school - I always liked working with animals and wanted to take this further"
- Why did you decide to go to college and what made you choose to study Animal Care?
- What sort of things do you do on the course?
- What would you say are the best ways to find out about all the courses available at college, especially those you can’t do at school?
- What are the tutors like? Are they like teachers at school?
- Elmwood College has student accommodation – do you stay there?
- Are you involved in any clubs or societies?
- What challenges have you faced as a student so far?
- If I’m thinking about going to college, what steps do you recommend I take and what advice would you give me?
- What would you say are the three best things about being a student?
1. Why did you decide to go to college and what made you choose to study Animal Care?
I had a clear idea about what I wanted to do after school - I always liked working with animals and wanted to take this further so decided to come to college specifically to study Animal Care. I’ve always had lots of pets at home and remember school visits to animal parks and sanctuaries and this developed my interest. I got involved in animal volunteer work when I was older which also helped. I also wanted to do Animal Care because it’s not a subject you can study at school and I knew having a qualification would be really important in getting a good job afterwards.
2. What sort of things do you do on the course?
It’s all about learning how to handle and care for animals. It’s a very practical course – the College has a farm so we work with the animals there quite a lot. I started on the NC course last year. The HNC this year is a bit more theoretical as we’re thinking more about the anatomy of animals and the different ways in which they behave. Also built into the course is some career planning which is great. Next year I’m going on to the HND course and I would love to one day work on a safari park. There is also the possibility of university study but I am keeping my options open just now.
3. What would you say are the best ways to find out about all the courses available at college, especially those you can’t do at school?
Start by speaking to guidance staff at your school – they have good contacts and can help you see your options more clearly. They pointed me in the direction of Elmwood which is one of the few institutions offering what I wanted to do. It’s also important to do research yourself by checking out prospectuses and college websites. I would definitely recommend visiting the college you’re interested in as it’s a great way to get good information, meet students and staff members and get a practical taster of the different courses on offer. If you can’t do a subject at school, this is the best way to find out what it’s really going to be like.
4. What are the tutors like? Are they like teachers at school?
They’re not like teachers! It’s really easy to build up good relations with them because they don’t treat you as kids and you can talk to them about any problems you might have. They know that you’re there because you want to learn as opposed to having to be there. To be honest I see my tutors as friends who teach me more than anything else.
5. Elmwood College has student accommodation – do you stay there?
No, I stay at home. I did consider moving into Halls but the cheaper option for me was to stay at home. I’ve never found it a problem as long as my car’s working! It’s also really easy for me to get the bus to college. The Halls of Residence are nice though and they’ve recently been refurbished. They’re certainly a good way to meet lots of new people and help you settle into college life, especially if you’re a long way from home. The Halls also organise trips for residents, like going to the cinema, so they really look after you if you choose to stay there.
6. Are you involved in any clubs or societies?
Yes, I’m a class rep in the Students Association. This is a student body in the College whose purpose is to represent the students as a whole. Each class elects a rep to sit on the Association to ensure that the views of all students are heard. Within the Association there’s a President and Vice-President who are elected by the students, others put their name forward to be involved. Class reps are given training to help them in their role and I think it’s a great way to help others and take an active involvement in helping improve student life. Apart from this I used to volunteer with the S.S.P.C.A. at a Wildlife Centre, and of course am currently a LIFT OFF student volunteer!
7. What challenges have you faced as a student so far?
I would say my main challenge has been making sure I am always on top of my coursework. I have several projects to complete over the year and it’s a case of getting a good balance between college work, my part-time job and having a social life. Although having said that, it’s quite easy to juggle everything as long as you’re sensible and don’t let your work fall behind. Finance has not really been a challenge so far – staying at home helps and working part-time gives me some hard-earned spare cash!
8. If I’m thinking about going to college, what steps do you recommend I take and what advice would you give me?
The first thing to do is speak to the guidance staff and Careers Scotland staff in your school who will point you in the right direction. If you have a certain course in mind, make sure you know what the entry requirements are. Go and visit the college – get a feel for the place, speak to staff and students who are always around on open days, they will be pleased to help. It’s also really important to choose a course that you will enjoy otherwise there’s no point. Don’t choose something just because your friends are doing it, it doesn’t mean you will lose them as friends and you’ll make new friends on your course anyway. I would also say it’s a good idea to have some practical experience, if possible, in the course that you want to study as this shows commitment and a genuine interest in the subject. In terms of finance, there is lots of support available. For example, you can apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), bursaries and travel expenses. You will find loads of help from school and college staff to sort all this out, but definitely find out what financial support you’re entitled to!
9. What would you say are the three best things about being a student?
- The great friends you make. If you’re on the same course you’re bound to have things in common. Also staff are really friendly, and it’s easy to have a laugh with everyone from the canteen staff to student support.
- Student discount! Shops, cinema, public transport are all a bit cheaper when you are a student which does make a difference.
- Getting the chance to study something you enjoy and all the opportunities that come with this – volunteering, social events and the prospect of a good job afterwards.
