Student Spotlight - Dontayi John Lewis Cheape
“It’s a great experience and a great place to make new friends and connections.”
Not everyone knows what they want to study when they leave school, and some may need a little support to be able to follow their chosen career path. Studying in the New Opportunities department at UHI Perth allows students to gain confidence, experience and qualifications in order to successfully transition into further study or employment. We met a student who has just finished their second course 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Dontayi John Lewis Cheape. I am from England, but I was raised in Perth, Scotland.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
At the moment, I have just finished the Next Steps 2 Learning course. I am in my second year of going to college - starting in Skill Up within the New Opportunities department.
Skill Up which was a first experience for me in a new environment meeting new people. I’ve always felt this was hard for me to do but I had the support and guidance from my lecturers and my new friends, so this made it easier every day.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
From my high school co-ordinator also known as a Skills Development Scotland Advisor.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I was in high school struggling on what I wanted to do when I left school.
Why did you decide on this course?
I wanted to experience new subjects and learn new things - such as how to spray paint, how to edit audio files and to extract them.
What is favourite thing about course?
I would probably say making new friendships and how my confidence has grown throughout the year.
Has there been any standout/ memorable moments from the course?
Some of the main memorable moments from this course was probably when my classmates first met. At first, we stayed as a group but eventually we all got out of our comfort zones and most of us became friends and started to hang out outside of college.
What knowledge and skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
In the motor vehicle department, Lecturer Norman showed us how to change tyres which is a great life skill to know in case you break down somewhere and need to do this!
We also went up to the hospitality department and learnt how to make coffee in case one day you go into barista training or even just to have a nice coffee in your free time.
Have you undertaken a placement or any work whilst at UHI Perth?
No, apart from volunteering/ working at YMCA but that’s something I was doing before I started at college.
Have lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Yes, all of my lecturers have been supportive throughout both of my courses - especially Caroline in my first college course as it was my first experience of learning in a new more adult environment and making new friends.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
One of my favourite achievements was doing the great glen - canoeing with YMCA and some guys my age that I did not know. I was offered to join a Gold Expedition because someone was unable to take part at the last minute but, till this day, it was one of the best weeks of life and would love to do it again. This has inspired me to take on my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award with YMCA, which I hope to start next year.
What do you like about campus/ facilities?
Overall, I think they’re great and kept up well.
Have you enjoyed your time at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have very much enjoyed myself at UHI Perth. Some highlights are just the new experiences you gain, and friends that will stay with you after college.
Do you have any hobbies and interests outside of your studies?
Some of my hobbies including gaming, doing artsy bits and just relaxing.
What are your future career plans?
I’m not 100% sure but I liked working at Aviva for the month that I had an internship. It was great work experience so, if I’m not sure, I would love to go back and work there.
I’m going to move on to the Gateway to Creative Industries course next year as I really enjoyed the audio and IT modules in my current course.
And finally, any advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying at UHI Perth?
It’s a great experience to try especially if you’re unsure what to do after high school. It’s a great experience and a great place to make new friends and connections.
