“I never really believed in myself till I set foot through the doors of Edinburgh College”
Lindsay Anderson was 39-years-old when she made the brave decision to return to education, and try to accomplish her lifelong dream of becoming a midwife. Faced with the daunting task of balancing her studies alongside looking after her four children, it was a huge commitment, but one Lindsay was determined to see through.
A year on from her graduation, we caught up with Lindsay to see how she’s doing now.
Hi Lindsay! Just to start, tell us a bit about your journey at Edinburgh College.
“I started off doing Higher Human Biology, before moving on to do my HNC in Healthcare Practice. Coming back to education after such a long time out was scary, but looking back it was maybe the best thing I’ve ever done. With 40 looming I decided it was now or never to try and realise my ambitions of becoming a midwife, and Edinburgh College was the best place for me to do that.
“I thought it might be too difficult, because I didn’t particularly enjoy school, but the environment at the College was totally different and suited me down to a tee. The lecturers provide so much support, and not just academically. Whenever I was doubting myself, or feeling that it was all too much, they were there to drive me on and tell me how well I was doing.
“Ultimately, I really enjoyed my course, and graduated with flying colours, and was honoured to receive the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence. I really surprised myself but so much of it was down to the supportive, nurturing atmosphere that was created at the College. I made so many friends, ranging from the age of 17 (not much older than my eldest child!) up to 70. I can’t speak highly enough of my peers.”
What is it that you’re up to now?
“I’m currently a student midwife at Edinburgh Napier University, where I’m halfway through my first-year.”
Do you still find yourself using any of the lessons you learned during your time at College?
“Absolutely. A lot of the tools I picked up at Edinburgh College allow me to manage at university, because it was such a good introduction to that sort of academic way of life. I learned how to do citations, how to research properly, how to structure my writing, and that’s given me such a huge advantage for my current studies.
“I also still carry the confidence I gained at College too, whenever I start having doubts I just remember what I’ve already accomplished, and I remember just how capable I am!”
You obviously had to juggle a busy personal life during your studies, what would your advice be to others?
“It’s tough, but it is absolutely doable. There is so much support on offer at College, from your lecturers, your peers, but also from places like the funding team and the student wellbeing team. There’s always someone on hand to offer advice or point you in the right direction. I was given help with funding for childcare, and that made a massive difference to me.
“I have never felt so fulfilled, and it’s had an inspiring effect on my own children too. They’d see me studying away and want to copy me, sit down and have study time of their own!”
What’s your ultimate goal, where is it you’re hoping to wind up?
“I think I’d like to work as a midwife at Simpson’s here in Edinburgh, and maybe later on down the road try and move into Health Visiting. That’s the beauty of studying at College, it’s given me the belief and confidence to switch lanes and try something different, which I might not have thought I could do before. The world is your oyster as they say!”