Ayr Graduation 2019: Student of the Year for Early Years

Although I have always worked hard, an award like this makes me stop and think: wow, I have actually done this, and done it well!

Emma McQueen, HNC Childhood Practice

I had thought about studying this course ever since I had my second daughter, who is 9 years old now. I loved watching my children look at things in wonder and reach different milestones in their own time.

I knew I had to do something in this field when I started helping out in their nursery and primary classes.

The main reason it took me so long to apply was because I was terrified of going back to full-time studying. I didn’t think I would be capable of juggling three children (yes, a wee surprise baby boy popped along!) with college, but I am so lucky that I have such a supportive family around me.

When I previously studied towards a career in nursing, I had no children and felt like I could afford to leave everything to the last minute. Having three children and a home life, I had to become super organised with my workload.

College surprised me – I got the bug for studying! I enjoyed writing essays on weekend evenings – very changed days!

I am so happy that I plucked up the courage to apply for this course. I used all three campuses for studying purposes, and I have to say the support from the Learning Resource Centre was invaluable. The free soup initiative was also a nice bonus!

Although I have always worked hard, an award like this makes me stop and think: wow, I have actually done this, and done it well.

I have to credit my amazing family, the girls in my class and a very special lecturer who was always so positive and generous with her time, no matter how busy she was. 

#ayrshiregrads