Marcia and Molly are Students of the Year
Every year Shetland College UHI recognises the achievements of one further education and one higher education student who have shown a particular drive to succeed during their time at the college. This year Marcia Galvin has been named Higher Education Student of the Year, while Molly Peterkin-Tracey has been named Further Education Student of the Year.
Molly has been studying Access to Apply for Nursing, with her tutors noting that she is a diligent and popular member of her class. She has consistently provided coursework to a high standard and provided support to her fellow students. In addition to her studies, Molly was one of the students selected to undertake a work placement in Voss, Norway earlier this year – which was so successful she was offered a job! Molly was thrilled to be named FE Student of the Year, describing it a great way to end a fantastic year. ‘I have been privileged to have so many opportunities thanks to Shetland College. It’s been a learning experience where I have made new friends and memories that I will treasure. Thank you to everyone, but especially to my fellow students, all the best for the future!’
Marcia has been studying BA (Hons) Contemporary Textiles on a part-time basis for three years. She has balanced her studies with the demands of being a single mum, this year facing additional challenges in particular. The Cultural and Creative Industries department described her as a hardworking and enthusiastic student with a real flare for textile design reflected in her body of work. This year Marcia also served as Shetland College’s first Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) Depute President, diligently representing the views of the student body on a local and regional basis. On winning the award Marcia said she was ‘absolutely delighted! Returning to study as a mature student has been a very positive experience for me and I’m very much enjoying my time at Shetland College and engaging in student life.’ Marcia will now go forward for consideration as the University of the Highlands and Islands’ overall Student of the Year.
Irene Peterson, Acting Principal, said that ‘the calibre of our FE and HE Student of the Year nominees this year was outstanding, making the overall selection process by the panel additionally challenging. All the nominees presented extremely well at interview, sharing their experiences of their individual learning journeys at Shetland College UHI. I would like to congratulate all our nominees on being selected for consideration as FE or HE Student of the Year, including our two overall winners, and wish them all the best in their future careers or further study.’
Peter Campbell, Chair of the College Board, said ‘once gain we have been fortunate to have very a high calibre of students nominated. Both molly and Marcia are to be congratulated on their achievements and we wish Molly every success in her chosen career of nursing. We wish Marcia well as she continues her studies on the textiles degree course, and are confident that she will continue to contribute to the student voice at Shetland College UHI.’