Inspirational message behind SQA Student Award winner’s success story

September 25, 2022

Dawn-Maree Wilson describes her North East Scotland College experience as an incredible journey.

The computing student, from Sandhaven, was recognised with a special award by the Scottish Qualifications Authority during Saturday’s (24 September) NESCol graduation ceremony at the Fraserburgh Campus.

She said: “After a 20 year break from education I returned to pick up on my love of computing. This was a big step for me – I had to push past a lot of nerves to join the Introductory Level 4 course. That was over three years ago now, I saw it as a way to help build my self-esteem and it was the best decision I could have made.

“It wasn’t easy though. As a mum with a young family I had to juggle the demands of everyday life with studying full time but you know I seized every opportunity that came my way, taking additional courses, like the My Cisco IT Essentials, to help me get me to where I want to be.

“I’ve worked my way through Level 5 and completed my HNC. It was certainly a challenge through lockdown and home schooling the kids, but it has made me a stronger person.”

During her time at College, Dawn-Maree successfully applied for a part-time job with the campus IT Helpdesk for students and she is now the supervisor of the team. She is currently studying for her HND Computing qualification at Aberdeen City Campus and hopes to work in this field when she completes her latest qualification.

She added: “I want to encourage anyone who may struggle with self-confidence or anxiety and say that it’s never too late to learn. I am living proof and if I can do it, you can too.“

Dawn-Maree impressed lecturers with her quiet determination, work ethic and willingness to help others to earn her nomination for the SQA Student Award and was chosen as the recipient for the Fraserburgh Campus.