Staff Spotlight - Apryll Cunningham
Our Student Support Worker – Apryll - has been with Perth College UHI for over a year now and is so enthusiastic about her role, that we had to chat to her. Some of you may know her through the fab new ‘Socia-Bubble’ events - or you may have popped into the Student Hub for a chat - but we thought we would ask her a few questions, so that we could get to know her a bit better.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! I am Apryll Cunningham, 27 years young. I was born and bred in Blairgowrie/Rattray, and now live in Fife with my partner and 2 beautiful pooches 😊
What is your role?
I am the Student Support Worker here at Perth College UHI, and I am based in the Student Support Hub in the Brahan building.
I am the first port of call for students who may need some support. I can then assist students with this or, if needed, refer them on to our lovely internal teams - or to an external organisation. I am also the link person for our care-experienced students.
What’s the best part of your job?
As cliché as it sounds, the best part is working closely with students. There is no better feeling than knowing you can help someone, even if it’s just to listen to them. Little things like this can change a person’s day, and mood!
Favourite type of food?
Pasta and chocolate of any kind - not together, but I’m not fully against the idea…
Favourite TV show or film?
A big fan of AHS (American Horror Story) and The Walking Dead. I like all that horror/gory stuff.
Where would you like to go when it is safe to travel again?
Route 66! I have always wanted to do this, and travel through America - especially to see the Grand Canyon. I remember watching, and loving, Billy Connelly’s Route 66. And since then, I promised myself it would be on the bucket list!
How have you been looking after your mental health this year?
Plenty of walkies with my doggies; socialising (virtually) with friends and family; and taking time to myself when I need it. There is nothing wrong with some alone time, I find it gives me perspective on my own thoughts and feelings.
What else have you been doing during this strange year, to keep busy?
I re-watched the whole of Shameless UK and USA, and the Walking Dead. As you can tell, I am productive.
Adult colouring books – revolutionary! This is very relaxing and completely takes your mind off everything else.
Happiest memory?
My happiest memories are going to St Andrews every summer in the caravan with my gran, grandad and brother. The best days were those hot summers sat on the beach collecting crabs, or the nights where the rain would bounce off the caravan but you were cosy inside watching a film. it’s the simple things. Ah, the nostalgia!
And most embarrassing?
I have far too many embarrassing memories, but one of the worst ones would be the time I slipped on a slice of tomato and fell in front of a whole hall of pupils - not just any pupils, High School pupils… you can imagine. My 4th year ‘cool kid cred’ was ruined after this (if I actually had any).
If you were a super-hero, what type of powers would you have?
I would like the power to travel back in time! How great would it be going back to your favourite memories, or going back to major events in history?
I would also like the power to eat anything and not put on weight… one can dream!
