Award-winning students at Inverness College faced significant personal challenges

An inspirational mother who overcame challenging personal circumstances during the coronavirus lockdown has been named Higher Education Student of the Year at Inverness College.

Alannah Greig, who was amongst the first cohort of students on the new HNC Built Environment programme, balances her studies with looking after her four-year-old son,

The 24-year-old,was recognised for her determination to succeed, excellent work and the support she showed classmates during lockdown.

Lecturer Carrie Higgins said Ms Greig, of Elgin, has limited broadband access which made remote delivery challenging but she overcame this by scheduling her access and her childcare.

"She met all deadlines, submitting excellent work and achieving a grade A in her HNC Built Environment Graded Unit," Ms Higgins said

Ms Greig said: “It has been a difficult year for me, personally, and with the addition of lockdown restrictions creating even further challenges, it seemed like everything was against me to allow me to keep going with my studies but I stayed focused and now to win this award means so much to me.

"It is an amazing feeling to have been recognised for my efforts. I decided to return to study not only for me, but to provide a better future for my son.

"I’ve really enjoyed the HNC Built Environment programme and it has set me on the path to study Architectural Technology, which I’m really excited about."

Amy Macdonald, who enrolled on the Step Into Care programme, was named Further Education Student of the Year.

The judges said despite significant challenges in her personal life, including upheaval in her home living arrangements, the 21-year-old, of Dingwall, continued to attend class, keep up to date with course work and assessments.

Lecturer Mari Todd said she could not imagine a more dedicated student.

"The perseverance, tenacity and will power to continue to hand in high quality work despite the obstacles is truly remarkable,” she said.

Ms Macdonald said she was very happy to win the award although completely shocked.

"I’d love to progress in my studies and eventually become a social worker and support others, like myself, from care experienced backgrounds,"

she said.

Both students will receive a certificate and £100.

The UHI has staged a week of online celebrations dedicated to 2020 graduates who were unable to attend a physical ceremony due to Covid-19 restrictions.

College principal Professor Chris O’Neil congratulated the award winners and said this year, more than ever, the awards recognised the resilience shown by students during challenging and unprecedented times.

"Across the entire college, I have been incredibly proud of the way all our students have responded to the pandemic, their attitude and determination to succeed has been been amazing,” he said.

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