Student Spotlight - Mckenzie Yeaman
The Social and Vocational Studies department at UHI Perth are a dedicated, qualified, and specialist team with extensive experience in teaching and supporting students who benefit from additional learning support.
Our students can expect a supportive learning environment in which to build confidence, skills for life and independence. They are also given the chance to try different subjects; receive recognition for the work they do; and support with their next steps. In this week’s blog, Mckenzie talks us through his experience of transitioning from high school to college.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Mckenzie Yeaman, and I am currently studying New Skills 2.
What were you doing before the course, and why did you decide to do it?
Before the course, I was at Perth Academy. I was in the support base there, where they give you extra help with your work. I could do some of my work in there, like maths and English, but I also did mainstream classes like history and drama.
How did it feel when you started at UHI Perth?
I kind of felt relaxed because I had already started going once a week as part of an introductory course for Next Steps. So, by the time we started, I already knew the lecturers well, so I was more relaxed.
Have you found anything challenging whilst you have been here?
It wouldn't necessarily say I found anything extremely challenging, but there have been times with outside factors where it has been a bit more difficult and a bit more stressful. However, by the end of the day everything's fine and you can catch up on work, it's no big deal.
Do you have any hobbies outside of college?
I'm very much a railway nerd, I love trains. I love anything to do with railways and recently I've also been looking into politics as it's quite interesting for me.
What have you been doing recently on your course?
We have been learning about food prices and the difference between making a meal at home compared to getting it from a takeaway. We have also been looking at the World of Work and we're going to be doing our CV. In citizenship, we've been learning about different types of bullying and what you can do to prevent things like verbal bullying and online bullying.
What are your plans after you finish the course?
I'm not quite sure what I want to do in the long term, but at the moment I would like to work in a bookshop like Oxfam. I go there all the time for my railway books, or just any books, and the staff are lovely. I think it would be a great place for me to work.
What advice would you give to someone if they're coming to UHI Perth for the first time?
It can be stressful. It can feel like you've got so much to do, but honestly, once you get going, it's brilliant, just great!
