Students
South Lanarkshire College [*VIDEO*]
Access to Humanities 2013-14
We are SWAP:
We come from all over Scotland (and other parts of the world, too). Our birthdates range from 1969-1993 -- but that didn't stop us mixing together, making friends and supporting each other. Now, we're all going on to different paths - some to more college, some to university. GCU, UWS, Stirling, Strathclyde and Glasgow are among our destinations. Some of us will see each other in class again next year and some of us will part ways this summer. Some of us will be friends for life. Regardless, we count this year as one of the best experiences of our lives. Here are some of the degree courses we'll be studying next year:
- History - Politics - Accountancy - Sociology
- Education - Classics - Psychology - Social Sciences
Some of the students recorded a video message for you. Click the image below to view it:
Or you can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://youtu.be/lXtKXgeZeJE
SLC Access to Humanities says:
“I was fed up with life. I was working in a chip shop, looking after my partner and two children. I wanted to do more with my life and didn’t have the opportunity as I’d had a family young. I had lost my confidence in my abilities but the course has me realise I am capable of more. This programme has been life changing. It has given me my confidence back. I know if I put in the work, I can do what I set my mind to do. I have loved every minute of it and would recommend it to anyone.” – Nicola, 35
“I had my own business, running a bookmaker’s shop. After selling up, I was jobless and realised that if I wanted a job that paid well, it would help to have a degree first. I found the experience was great, with a lot of highs and lows. I have made good friends and realise that the SWAP programme is probably the most productive thing I have ever achieved in my life.” – Graham, 32
“Before college, I was on maternity leave from having my son, and I didn’t want to continue being a hairdresser, which was my job before. The SWAP programme is great. It allows people to pursue careers which otherwise they would not have been able to pursue. This course has been enjoyable – hard work and stressful at times, but I have loved the experience and I’m so happy I went for it.” – Emma, 23
“I had a relationship break up and that was the thing that pushed me to do something new. I had always wanted to further myself and my career, but the circumstances were never right. Doing this course has been the most positive thing to come out of the last 18 months. I’m now looking forward to university and, eventually, a career in social work.” – Clare, 36
“I worked in admin roles for the Scottish Government for over 12 years and then I was made redundant. I had always wanted to gain more qualifications. After being out of education for so long, this course gave me the chance to develop study skills and it has given me a way in to university. It is hard work, but worthwhile. Lots of studying required, but it in the end it’s worth it. I thought when I started it would be easier but I am glad I enrolled. I have really enjoyed it and have also enjoyed meeting and working with all my classmates, as we have all become friendly.” – Allan, 44
“I was unemployed and at a crossroads. With encouragement from my partner and family, I decided to return to education. It is one of the best journeys I have ever undertaken. The lecturers are extremely helpful and very good at what they do. I’m now planning to complete my undergraduate degree, then go on to do a post-graduate qualification to become a History & Modern Studies teacher.” – Gary, 32
“I have had the best year of my life! I can’t believe the things I’ve learned at this stage in my life. It has opened my eyes and changed my opinion on a lot of different issues in life. I am so looking forward to the future.” - Maryann, 44
“The SWAP programme has been everything I wanted it to be. It has been the stepping stone I needed to gain access to the degree course at university. I have received guidance and support from lecturers throughout the whole course, which I am extremely grateful for.” – Jennifer, 29
“SWAP has been an amazing experience. All of the lecturers are supportive and have a great way of keeping you engaged throughout the lectures. It has taken a lot of hard work and sacrifices but all of it is worth it. The sense of achievement at the end of the year is incredible.” – Rochelle, 26
“It has been very hard. I underestimated how much work it would be, but it has definitely been worth it. I found out how organised you have to be to succeed (notes, etc.). And I have found out that teamwork is the key to succeeding.” – Charlotte, 25
We come from all over Scotland (and other parts of the world, too). Our birthdates range from 1969-1993 -- but that didn't stop us mixing together, making friends and supporting each other. Now, we're all going on to different paths - some to more college, some to university. GCU, UWS, Stirling, Strathclyde and Glasgow are among our destinations. Some of us will see each other in class again next year and some of us will part ways this summer. Some of us will be friends for life. Regardless, we count this year as one of the best experiences of our lives. Here are some of the degree courses we'll be studying next year:
- History - Politics - Accountancy - Sociology
- Education - Classics - Psychology - Social Sciences
Some of the students recorded a video message for you. Click the image below to view it:
Or you can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://youtu.be/lXtKXgeZeJE
SLC Access to Humanities says:
“I was fed up with life. I was working in a chip shop, looking after my partner and two children. I wanted to do more with my life and didn’t have the opportunity as I’d had a family young. I had lost my confidence in my abilities but the course has me realise I am capable of more. This programme has been life changing. It has given me my confidence back. I know if I put in the work, I can do what I set my mind to do. I have loved every minute of it and would recommend it to anyone.” – Nicola, 35
“I had my own business, running a bookmaker’s shop. After selling up, I was jobless and realised that if I wanted a job that paid well, it would help to have a degree first. I found the experience was great, with a lot of highs and lows. I have made good friends and realise that the SWAP programme is probably the most productive thing I have ever achieved in my life.” – Graham, 32
“Before college, I was on maternity leave from having my son, and I didn’t want to continue being a hairdresser, which was my job before. The SWAP programme is great. It allows people to pursue careers which otherwise they would not have been able to pursue. This course has been enjoyable – hard work and stressful at times, but I have loved the experience and I’m so happy I went for it.” – Emma, 23
“I had a relationship break up and that was the thing that pushed me to do something new. I had always wanted to further myself and my career, but the circumstances were never right. Doing this course has been the most positive thing to come out of the last 18 months. I’m now looking forward to university and, eventually, a career in social work.” – Clare, 36
“I worked in admin roles for the Scottish Government for over 12 years and then I was made redundant. I had always wanted to gain more qualifications. After being out of education for so long, this course gave me the chance to develop study skills and it has given me a way in to university. It is hard work, but worthwhile. Lots of studying required, but it in the end it’s worth it. I thought when I started it would be easier but I am glad I enrolled. I have really enjoyed it and have also enjoyed meeting and working with all my classmates, as we have all become friendly.” – Allan, 44
“I was unemployed and at a crossroads. With encouragement from my partner and family, I decided to return to education. It is one of the best journeys I have ever undertaken. The lecturers are extremely helpful and very good at what they do. I’m now planning to complete my undergraduate degree, then go on to do a post-graduate qualification to become a History & Modern Studies teacher.” – Gary, 32
“I have had the best year of my life! I can’t believe the things I’ve learned at this stage in my life. It has opened my eyes and changed my opinion on a lot of different issues in life. I am so looking forward to the future.” - Maryann, 44
“The SWAP programme has been everything I wanted it to be. It has been the stepping stone I needed to gain access to the degree course at university. I have received guidance and support from lecturers throughout the whole course, which I am extremely grateful for.” – Jennifer, 29
“SWAP has been an amazing experience. All of the lecturers are supportive and have a great way of keeping you engaged throughout the lectures. It has taken a lot of hard work and sacrifices but all of it is worth it. The sense of achievement at the end of the year is incredible.” – Rochelle, 26
“It has been very hard. I underestimated how much work it would be, but it has definitely been worth it. I found out how organised you have to be to succeed (notes, etc.). And I have found out that teamwork is the key to succeeding.” – Charlotte, 25
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