It’s never too late to learn Social Science (Pt. 1)

This blog is written by Shelagh McLachlan, Marketing and PR Manager and is in two parts. This is part one – the inspiring story of social science student Scott Montgomery.

The marketing team has been set an exciting task to spend a day in the life of a student. This will provide a real insight into some of our courses to enhance our knowledge and understanding, helping us give even better course information to applicants. But more importantly, it helps us to understand our students’ needs, and identify any worries they have when thinking about coming to college, going through the application process, and their learning experience. What can we learn to improve our marketing?

This is part one – the inspiring story of social science student Scott Montgomery.

Scott Montgomery is a social science student studying for an Open University honours degree through Ayrshire College. His learning journey started in 2012 when he decided to return to education as a mature student. Unsure about which subject to study, he booked an interview with College staff and found that social science seemed to suit his interests the most. This involved subjects like history, politics, psychology and sociology. This is the story of how College has helped him retrain for a new career.

Taking the first step

I had not done very well at school and when I left I walked straight into a job so it did not matter that I had few qualifications. I was working as a bus driver when my wife got a good job and suggested I go part time and look after our children. It was also a good opportunity for me to return to education, and get some qualifications, something I had always aspired to.

My worry list

It was only supposed to be a year – I had not planned to go any further. My thoughts were; I will see how it goes, if I can’t handle it, then it’s only a year out of my life. I’ve nothing to lose. I enrolled on the course and as I walked in through the doors on the first day, I felt many anxieties. How do Colleges work? Will I be the oldest person in the class? What if it is too difficult? How will I manage using a computer? I have no experience of that type of thing and I don’t want to look stupid in front of all the younger students who will be great at IT.  As I sat in my first class looking around, I thought, I will probably not pass this. They will. But I won’t.

First impressions

Was it as bad as I had feared?  Absolutely not. I was surprised how well we all got on in class. There were other mature students, and no one made me feel out of place. The lecturers were welcoming and encouraging, and this made such a difference to me. They genuinely seemed to care about their students, and explained that having a variety of ages in a class, all bringing different life experiences, enables a more dynamic and interesting learning experience.

Up for a challenge

I felt quite shy to begin with, and I found the work challenging. I realised it was going to take everything I have got to make this work. I was interested in all the classes and looked forward to studying more after the class. I received great feedback and the lecturers respected the efforts they could see I was putting in. I felt they cared about me and wanted me to do well. I was really impressed how helpful and encouraging they all were.

The “aha” moment

Still, I found the work challenging. I discovered that I have dyslexia and this was why I found it difficult to learn. I was referred to the Inclusive Learning team who understood my difficulties and gave me the right amount of support to help me learn. This was a turning point and after that, things started to fall into place and I have not looked back. The level 4 course went great, I applied for level 5 and then level 6, and gradually my confidence started to increase.

On a roll

I decided to apply for the HNC Social Science course at level 7. At this point I was assessed for dyslexia by an educational psychologist. This entitled me to resources such as a laptop and special software. I also got extra time to do exams, and this helped me cope and work at my own pace. Again, I passed with flying colours and this encouraged me to do the HND course. I thought this might be a bit out of my league, but decided to try my best. I am delighted to say at the end of the year, I was awarded a prize for “Student of the Year”. As I write this, I am now studying for a degree and reflecting on how my life has changed in a few short years.

I have really enjoyed the courses. I like studying at home, researching and typing up reports. I even taught myself to touch type! History is by far my favourite subject. The main challenges have been finding strategies to cope with dyslexia. The learning support I have received has made a huge difference. It puts my mind at ease, and I feel I am on a level playing field now.

Advice to other people returning to education

Don’t worry – There will be other people your age. In every class I have been in, there is a mixture of ages.

If you put in the effort – you will see the results. It’s about having a positive attitude and working hard and being determined to succeed.

Don’t panic – Support is here for you. It is well done in this College. I have been impressed – I did not expect that level of support.

You can just come here for one year at a time. If it doesn’t work out for you, you are not committed for years like at university. You get a distinct qualification at the end of each year.

College enables you to take the first step.

It improves your confidence and self-esteem. My family has noticed a positive change in me.

You can do it!

Glad I came to college

I am so glad I took that step and came to College. It’s worked out great for me. I have learned how to learn, and I am enjoying that feeling. Achieving these qualifications means I have more opportunities to get a job I want to do. I want to help other people improve their life. I am interested in working with people with drug and alcohol addictions. I want a rewarding job where I feel I am doing something good to help others. If I had not chosen to come back to College, I would not be able to apply for jobs like these – I would have been stuck doing manual labour jobs.

I never dreamed I would be able to apply for jobs like these. So here I am, a bus driver that sure knows how to take the right route! (Sorry – that’s a bit cheesy) Seriously, there are no wrong routes, just different routes that suit different people. Starting at College and progressing to University step by step has worked for me.

Come back tomorrow for part two – where you’ll be able to read about a typical day in the life of Scott!