#ChooseCollege – Melissa grateful for ‘invaluable’ College experience
For many, the decision to go to college comes from a desire for personal growth and the hope of finding a place where they truly belong – and for Melissa, it was all of that and more.
Melissa came to Edinburgh College in 2012 to study HNC Administration and Information Technology and quickly went on a journey of self-discovery, excelling academically and growing in confidence as she progressed. She later graduated from university with a BA (Hons) Business Management at Edinburgh Napier University, and now works, while volunteering in her spare time.
We caught up with Melissa to find out more about her College experience and what she’s up to now:
Why did you choose Edinburgh College for your studies?
College was for me a journey of self-discovery. It gave me the option to continue my education locally. I was independent, I was studying in the city I grew up in and I felt proud. I was becoming who I wanted to be. College formed part of my identity. I was learning in an environment that was flexible and this allowed me to make my wellbeing a priority without the constraints of rigid learning environments.
What aspects of your college experience meant the most to you?
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go to College. The fact that there are educational spaces which are accessible to all and foster the right amount of support and independence has been invaluable. College above all was good for my wellbeing. It was diverse and welcoming and it was personal. I struggled with my confidence and overall mental health growing up so this mattered. I could be myself and I valued the importance placed on this.
How did college prepare you for university and life afterwards?
College gave me the opportunity to study at university level. Widening participation is so crucial and I volunteer in this space because I’m determined to see people from working class backgrounds represented at all levels in education. I graduated from university in 2016 and this was because there was a path where I could progress to a level which I never would have believed I would reach when I was younger. I recognise the work people put in to make university education accessible to the masses because I had benefited from it where I otherwise would not.
College helped me prepare for university through independent study and developed my critical thinking skills which in turn transformed my confidence. Your understanding was valued. My understanding and opinion mattered and this was life affirming.
What are you doing now, and how do you feel your college journey has influenced that?
I’m volunteering at the moment. The life experience college gives you informed my understanding of the world and it helped me understand people which is a skill I think we should all have in order that we better understand each other, work with each other effectively and create a better environment for all.
Do you have any advice for someone considering college?
College is for everyone. The first thing I noticed was how welcoming it was. There were people like me everywhere and I found belonging in that commonality. This was particularly important for me as I had struggled with loneliness and I found the right balance of support and independence at college. If college feels like a natural progression for you as it was for me, I would say go for it! Don’t put pressure on yourself and enjoy the transformative experience that college is.