STUDENT VOICE AUTUMN 2016 | Page 10

returning to College after a Six-Year Hiatus By Emma Jackson (Access to Life Science) An Ayrshire College student has swapped stacking shelves for a fulfilling career after completing an HND in Visual Communication at the Ayr Campus. an NQ in Visual Communication, and went on to complete an HNC in Visual Communication in 2009. Returning to the College at 25, he explains how it felt to come back to education as a mature student. Callum Kelly, 26 from Ayr, has begun Callum said “When I returned last year, working for textile print and design I thought college would be daunting as company Lanfine in I had been completely out Darvel, after working in I became of education for the past six retail for almost a decade. stagnant and years. However the support I Callum explained what got from my lecturers made his motivation was for knew I needed the transition easier. “ changing his career and to make a returning to college. “At first I kept working change. He said “Honestly, I hated my job. It wasn’t a job that held my attention for very long as each day was the same. I wasn’t challenged.” alongside my course, but eventually made the decision to leave my job to focus on building a new career and began doing some freelance graphic design work.” “I became stagnant and knew I needed to make a change. I have always been interested in design and enjoyed printmaking. So I decided to return to college, choosing to complete a HND in Visual Communication.” “My course was great, and all of the modules I studied opened doors to possible career paths. I particularly enjoyed experimental printmaking and web design. I also had fun completing my Graded Unit.” Callum started his journey with Ayrshire College back in 2008 when he completed 10 “I brought some friends along to the end of year show and they were so impressed with the calibre of work that students at Ayrshire College had produced. I’m happy to say THE STUDENT VOICE EDITION 7