Student smiling in a college building corridor.
31 May 2020

Radost Staykova wins award for the second year running

To say Radost Staykova has excelled during her time at Edinburgh College would be an understatement. She has won three gold medals in major national competitions and has just been named Hairdressing Student of the Year for the second year running.

Having moved to Scotland from Bulgaria 11 years ago, Radost says she has gained a second family during her time studying ESOL and VCTC Hairdressing at Edinburgh College. We caught up with Radost about her College experience.

Student smiling in a college building corridor.

“I feel very special because I have been chosen as Student of the Year for the second time.

Edinburgh College is not just College for me. It is like my second family and it has given me the opportunity to learn English and gain new skills and experiences, and make my dreams real.

The best thing about College is that I have really improved my skills, both in English and in Hairdressing – which makes me proud of myself. And, as well as learning in class and with clients, I’ve had the chance to compete in competitions, which have let me challenge myself. Winning so many gold medals in hair competitions has been amazing – I really enjoyed attending them.

If I was to give any advice to anyone thinking of coming to Edinburgh College, I would advise them to start immediately and not waste their time thinking about it. College can change your life!

Looking to my own future, I’m going to open my own business but I also will continue to study. My end goal is not only one. I would like to work in TV and on movie sets but I also want to open my own  Hair and Beauty salon. One day, I may even look to become a lecturer at College.

Finally, I’d like to say thanks to my lecturers. To Vicky Smith, I would like to say thank you for being a part of my life for the last two years and for teaching me so many new things in Hairdressing. To Marion Main, thank you for supporting me during all the competitions and encouraging me to do even harder things in hairstyles. Thank you also to Heather Quinn. To all of you, don’t stop inspiring people.”

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