Jasmine’s inspiring learning journey with NESCol spans almost 15 years, with the College supporting her through career changes and life challenges.

Although 31-year-old Jasmine Keir from Aberdeenshire joined NESCol as an adult returner to study business, her first College experience was back in 2011.

Jasmine left school after she became a young mother and decided to enrol on an administration course.

She said, “From the beginning, I found the learning environment incredibly welcoming and supportive. College was a place where I felt encouraged and understood.”

Career in education

In 2016, Jasmine returned to NESCol to study PDA in Education Support Assistance at Inverurie Community Campus.

She said, “My motivation was personal, to better understand how to support my primary school-aged son who has additional learning needs.

“That course inspired me to continue my learning journey, and I gained direct entry to the HNC Childhood Practice course. The lecturers were amazing; passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to their students’ success.”

Following her HNC, Jasmine secured employment at a local school, which inspired her to consider training to be a primary teacher. To do so, she needed her Higher English qualification.

She said, “Once again, NESCol was there for me. I attended part-time evening classes to gain this qualification.”

Studying business

Jasmine continued to work in education for several years but was affected by sector funding cuts and job uncertainty. This prompted her to reassess her long-term career plans and explore other options, once again, turning to NESCol.

She said, “NESCol has and always will be my first and trusted point of contact.

“I decided to study business because I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do when I ‘grow up’

“Business felt like the best option for me as it’s such a broad subject that opens up many doors and career prospects.”

Jasmine started HND Business, an RGU Degree Link course, in 2023. As part of the Enhanced Associate Student Scheme, students on HN courses at NESCol have the bonus of RGU library access, and they do not need to apply through UCAS when it’s time to transition to university.

Jasmine said, “I’ve enjoyed exploring different areas like HR, marketing, law and artificial intelligence – to name just a few. This variety has shown me the value of keeping my options open.

“For that reason, I’ve chosen to stay on the general route and progress directly to the third year of the BA (Hons) Business and Management degree at RGU.

“Some of my classmates are taking the same path, while others are specialising in areas like digital marketing, HR and finance. I like that there are so many options and routes to choose from, and I feel confident that studying business and management will give me the flexibility to find the career that’s right for me.

“I also know that in time, wherever I end up will be exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Adult returner

Despite being a former NESCol student, returning to full-time education was daunting for Jasmine.

She said, “Although I was initially hesitant about returning to education being older and as a mum of two, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made.

“The learning environment was just as I remembered, inclusive, encouraging, and full of positive energy. The fact that so many staff members have remained at NESCol over the years speaks volumes about the supportive culture not just for students, but for staff as well. It was great to see so many familiar and friendly faces again.

“Over the past two years, I have received outstanding support from my lecturers. Their dedication and belief in their students are what makes NESCol.”

Support at NESCol

Unfortunately, Jasmine’s time at NESCol was extremely challenging this time round, but she demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of tragedy.

During the first year of her HND, Jasmine’s dad, and biggest supporter, suffered a sudden stroke that led her to make the heartbreaking decision to begin end-of-life care, and in her second year, she had the sudden loss of another close family member.

“As my dad’s only next of kin, I arranged his funeral and cleared his home, all while trying to continue with my studies and be a mum. Despite these circumstances, then being struck with grief again almost a year later, I achieved a B in my Year 1 Graded Unit exam and an A in my Year 2 Graded Unit investigation report.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the care, flexibility, and compassion of my lecturers, who guided me towards the support services NESCol can offer, and I am also deeply grateful to my family, friends and classmates who supported me throughout these past two years – thank you.”

Next steps

Jasmine completed her HND in June this year and is looking forward to moving on to university.

She said, “I feel a mixture of emotions, sadness at leaving but excitement for what lies ahead. My son is now almost of school-leaving age, and I would be proud for him to study at NESCol too.

“I know without a doubt that he would be supported, encouraged, and given the same positive learning experience I’ve had throughout the years. NESCol has been more than a college to me; it has been a constant in my life, a place of opportunity and transformation.

“I am truly grateful for the role it has played in my personal and professional journey. I would recommend anyone who is undecided about applying to go for it. It will be the best decision you will make, and as someone once said to me, time passes by regardless, so why wait?”

Studying at NESCol

Following in Jasmine’s footsteps and studying business will give you a diverse skillset for a huge range of careers.

Explore full-time and part-time business courses

We offer wellbeing and learning support and advice to all students, and our Student Support Team is on hand to help you through difficult times.

Find out more about Student Support at NESCol