Prize Giving 2018 - Hannah Gillan
Nineteen-year-old NC Pharmacy Services student Hannah from Loanhead, Midlothian, came to college to learn more about the medical and health care field and soon found that her course was the prescription for success. Hannah is the winner of this year’s Prize Giving Academic Excellence Dental and Pharmacy Award, we caught up with her about her college experience:
How do you feel about being recognised at Prize Giving?
I was nervous to attend the ceremony but really excited and surprised.
What made you choose Edinburgh College for your studies?
I was interested in studying Pharmacy and saw that Edinburgh College were providing a course on their website. I was really keen on the progression route opportunity of going to university which this course provides.
What were you doing before starting at the college?
I worked in childcare for two years.
What has been the best thing so far about studying at Edinburgh College? Any highlights?
Definitely the variety of learning and teaching. I always find the classes interesting as they’re taught well, and I like that I was able to learn about so many subjects in just one course.
Have you faced any challenges, either before starting or during your studies? How did you overcome them?
I struggle with anxiety, so confidence and self-doubt are regular challenges for me. I’ve had a few setbacks over the last year but now, coming to the end of a course that I’ve really enjoyed, I feel like I’ve got a lot more to be excited about in my future than to worry about. I’ve received a lot of kindness and support from my lecturers and classmates and I know that despite the rough patches, I will look back on this year as an overall good one.
What are your plans for the future? Are you going on to further study after college or into employment? What is your end goal?
I plan to go to Queen Margaret University in 2019 to study in the medical/healthcare field further. I’m not too sure what I want to choose as a long-term career just yet but I’m excited to keep on learning and find something that fascinates me. Over the next year, I’ll give myself a bit of a break from studying and try and save some money away for the next few years.
Do you have any messages for the lecturers?
Thank you for always providing interesting classes and for your support and understanding throughout. I will miss you.
What are you most proud of that you have achieved while studying at Edinburgh College?
Receiving this award. I wasn’t aware that this award existed, so it was a nice and rewarding surprise to see that my hard work had been recognised.
Describe your Edinburgh College experience in three words.
Enjoyable, interesting and supportive.
