Mum and daughter graduate together as Moray UHI students celebrate
There were plenty of smiles at the Moray UHI graduation ceremony which was held at a new venue this year.
With Elgin Town Hall closed for renovations it saw students, along with their family and friends, gather at the Moray Sports Centre.
Amongst the graduates were a mother and daughter combination – Sarah and Marilyn Marshall who both achieved Level 6 in Current Hairdressing Techniques.
Sarah, who’s aged 42 and from Kinloss, first studied hairdressing after leaving school, but got married, had a family and never finished the course.
When her marriage broke down she returned from Germany and fell into depression.
However, managing to recover, Sarah then decided that she wanted to finish what she started and applied to return to study.
Being older than most of the other students, she says she was initially wary about how she’d be received. Having Marilyn on the same course, though, helped her quickly overcome her anxiety.
Sarah said: “The course helped me be my own person and not just a mum. It gave me my own identity.
“I never thought I could do it and almost gave up near the end. But I did it, and that’s thanks to the support I received from all the staff and other students.”
Marilyn also appreciated being in the same class.
The 23-year-old said: “I love my mum. The main highlight for me studying with UHI Moray was making friends and the amazing support I received.
“Don't let your fears stop you.”
Cara Coull, who’s from Buckie, graduated with a BscH in Sport and Fitness.
The 21-year-old is a keen exponent of the martial art Taekwondo and, as well as being part of the Scottish squad, has recently started a club in her hometown.
She started at UHI while still in the sixth form at school, then progressed to a HNC and now has her degree.
Carla said: “This course has definitely helped to grow my all-round confidence. It has also really shaped my sports journey and has helped me become a better coach.”
Jan McCormack, a mature student from Inverness, was awarded a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Fine Art
Although accepted for other art schools, Jan decided to study in the local area.
In her final year she had to overcome some personal challenges, not least having to cope with the loss of her mum just a week before her final art degree show.
Jan is now currently doing a UHI Shetland Art and Social Practice Masters degree as she enjoyed studying so much.
She said: “For me the highlights of studying at UHI Moray were the supportive staff and being able to build friendships which have lasted beyond University.”
Lyn Goodenough worked for many years in HR but, deciding on a change, she enrolled on a HND Complementary Therapies course after attending an open day at City of Glasgow College.
Having completed that she then began a BSc (Hons) Integrative Healthcare with UHI Moray.
The 58-year-old says she found the support provided invaluable.
After taking part in a mentoring programme and winning a prize in a business competition Lyn had the confidence to set up her own business in Dunblane and also worked at Strathcarron Hospice in Denny while studying.
She said: “This course has prepared me exceptionally well for my new career. It has been the best decision I’ve ever made – one that has given me both confidence and credibility.
“Employers and clients recognise the depth of knowledge, skills, and understanding it provides.
“My advice to anyone who chooses to return to study would be to engage as much as possible - ask questions, join discussions, and reach out to lecturers when needed.
“Don’t sit back because participation makes all the difference.”
Jodie Lefley, who’s from Forres, achieved a level 6 in her NQ Environmental Science and Sustainability course.
The 43-year-old returned to study Horticulture as a mature student in 2023 at level 5, progressed to level 6 and is now studying for a HNC.
Imbued with a passion for nature and the outdoors, she has an allotment where she grows vegetables.
Jodie said: “I’ve had amazing classmates and teachers for the past two years. It’s been so much fun and I have some amazing memories.”
Kerry McKay first graduated from UHI Moray in 2004 with an HND in Complementary Therapies and then went on to establish her own business in Fochabers.
In 2023 she returned to study and entered year three of the Integrative Health care degree.
The course suited her as it was online, meaning she could fit studying around both her business and family life.
Although It was a real challenge returning to education after a 20 year gap, the encouragement Kerry received from the lecturers really helped and she’s now looking at opening another new business in the shape of a natural living store.
She said: “Using my knowledge and researching skills from this course will enable me to provide services that can integrate with conventional healthcare and help people get to the root of their issues.
“My advice to anyone wishing to return to study is to follow your gut instinct and just go for it. The sense of achievement, both personally and academically, is worth it.”