Maisoon Wins the Douglas Tully Memorial Award
Mum-of-three Maisoon Shabaan moved to Scotland as a refugee from Syria three years ago and has become a part of the Edinburgh College family since. Maisoon started learning English language skills and has since progressed on to NC Bakery, leading her to win the Douglas Tully Memorial Award at this year’s Prize Giving.
Maisoon spoke to us about receiving her award and her College experience so far.
“I feel honoured and pleased that my effort has been recognised. I would also like to thank Edinburgh College for this award.
I chose to study bakery because it felt like a natural progression for me, since I had been already studying English as a second language at Sighthill Campus.
So far, the best thing about studying at Edinburgh College for the past three years has been having the chance to learn more about many different cultures through interacting with other students from other countries. Moreover, this year in the NC Bakery course I got to learn more about the traditions of Scottish sweets.
There have been challenges, mainly for me balancing my time between both my family as a mum of three and studying full-time at the College.
But if I was to give advice to any student starting at College now, I would say, keep up-to-date with coursework and you will be fine and don’t be afraid of trying new things.
Next, I am going to continue studying at Edinburgh College in Professional Cookery Patisserie and Confectionery, Level 7.
Finally, I’d like to thank my great lecturers and college staff – Boyd Stewart, Anne Coyle and Tracey Livingstone. I would like to say thank you for the support you have given us and the knowledge you shared. I really appreciate it all.
Three words to describe Edinburgh College experience? Supporting, inspiring and rewarding.”
