Kilwinning Graduation 2019: Student of the Year for Sports and Fitness

I honestly cannot put into words how much it means for me to have won this award.

                                                                    Anna McVicar, HND Fitness, Health and Exercise

I realised that I wanted to come to college after starting at the gym. I found a passion for working out and decided to try a Sport & Fitness course at Irvine Campus. As I continued to HND level, I knew I had found my ideal career path in the fitness industry.

Coming to college helped me to face and overcome personal fears. In previous years I had suffered from anxiety, however, I needn’t have worried as the Lecturing staff and Student Services provided great support. For that I will always be grateful, as I wouldn’t be here graduating and receiving this award!

My course involved practical elements, such as training clients, working with different population groups, theory and assessments. I also got the chance to take part in practical sessions, where some external instructors came to teach. A few being Hatton boxing, FBX, Body pump. It was a great opportunity to experience and try out these different trends. A highlight of the course was work experience where I worked with a cardiac, stroke & falls prevention rehabilitation programme.

I especially enjoyed doing the nutrition case studies and programming a tailored nutrition plan for their needs. I loved this so much that I am now studying Food, Nutrition and Health at university.

Skills I have gained include having more confidence, especially when training clients and believing in my own abilities.

I honestly cannot put into words how much it means for me to have won this award. When I opened the letter, I just stood and stared at it wondering if they had the right person! It just makes everything I have done over the last three years worth it and I am truly grateful to be nominated for Student of the Year 2019.

My future plans are to achieve my BSc Degree and work in either Clinical Nutrition or combine with my Personal Trainer Qualification and do online coaching. The great thing is, getting a job in the fitness industry doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work in a gym. It can lead you into many career choices.

I think Ayrshire College is a fantastic place and everyone there is so friendly and willing to help. I can’t thank the staff enough for the support I received. Although the work was tough at times, the lecturers were very encouraging. I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else for my learning experience.

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