Tag: graduation

Student triumphs over postnatal depression to graduate from Heriot-Watt University

A woman who overcame crippling postnatal depression and suicidal thoughts to complete her studies, graduates from Heriot-Watt University today (June 20).

Helan Vinod was presented with an MSc in Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication during the Summer Graduation Ceremonies being held this week at the University’s Edinburgh campus.

It was a moment charged with intense emotion for the 29-year-old who endured a traumatic pregnancy and labour just eight months ago, leading to fears she would not be able to graduate.

Her story is one of resilience and determination.

Helan moved to Edinburgh with her husband in February 2022 from their home in South India.

Shortly after arriving, Helan enrolled into her one-year course at the University’s School of Social Sciences but her world was turned upside down when, just weeks later, she fell pregnant.

Helan recalls: “Falling pregnant at that time was not really in our plans; we were going to wait at least another three years. “But once the shock had subsided we were, of course, delighted. So, I pushed myself to go ahead. I didn’t want to give up on my baby or my degree.”

Helan’s joy quickly turned into trepidation after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, causing excessive nausea and vomiting early in her pregnancy.

It became so debilitating that she was unable to attend her new job working in a fast-food restaurant and took the decision to resign.

It was also around this time that Helan was diagnosed with gallstones, resulting in bouts of agonising pain.

With so much to contend with, Helan started to notice a change in her mental health with growing feelings of depression and anxiety.

She said: “There were many factors effecting my mental health at that time. “I’d moved to a new country and knew I must adapt to everything being different, from the climate to the language. But I didn’t have much time to get used to this because everything happened so quickly.

“Being a new mum as well as a new student and trying to grapple with life in a new country, it all became too much for me. My parents were working in India so I couldn’t ask for much support from them. I was kind of stranded.”

Her condition worsened as the pregnancy progressed and started to affect her studies. At many points, Helan questioned whether she would have the physical strength to attend a class again, let alone graduate.

She turned to the University for help and was put in contact with the Student Wellbeing Services, which she credits as playing a crucial role in her academic success.

Helan said: “As an expecting mother experiencing challenges in terms of physical and mental health, there has been multiple instances where I felt that I had to give up on my studies. The support system at Heriot-Watt, especially the Student Wellbeing Services, were empathetic and remarkably accommodating.

“The course leaders were very friendly and approachable, most of them were keen to offer extra support since I had missed a few lectures due to my health constraints.”

On 31 October 2022, Helan gave birth in Edinburgh to a beautiful baby boy, named Isaiah – but shortly afterwards, she noticed a drastic change in her outlook.

She struggled to get out of bed in the mornings, lost her appetite and felt ‘desperate and hopeless’. At her lowest point, Helan admits to feeling suicidal.

She explained: “After the birth, I felt emotionally crippled. Although my parents had made the trip to Scotland for the birth, I was feeling really low, tearful and it was an absolute disaster. I really don’t know how to put it into words. I was feeling suicidal and was completely helpless.

“But the NHS was amazing and recognised these symptoms from early on, from before the birth, and I was placed under the care of the Postnatal mental health team.”

To aid her in her recovery, the University ensured Helan had all the support she needed to complete her studies.

This included granting an extension for her dissertation deadline allowing her to defer until the following year.

Helan concluded: “The student service centre and the visa team were professional, yet sensitive in their interactions. Throughout my pregnancy and postnatal recovery, the University remained accessible to me.

“The breastfeeding rooms, baby-changing facilities and accommodative attitude of the staff and students were important factors that helped me to cope with this pivotal transition period in my life.”

According to the NHS, postnatal depression affects more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. Its symptoms can be far ranging and include experiencing extreme highs and lows, frequent crying, feelings of guilt, anxiety and, in some cases, the mother being unable to care for her child.

Helan remains under the care of mental health services as she continues to recover but is looking forward to using her new qualification in her future career.

‘I’ve done it to show my kids not to give up’

  • Edinburgh Napier computing student graduates months after surgery
  • Leann Wilson has completed her course with distinction

A mum of three says her determination to set an example for her children has helped her to graduate from Edinburgh Napier University just months after undergoing thyroid removal surgery.

Leann Wilson has been awarded her BSc degree in IT Management for Business at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday [Thursday 27th October].

The 43-year-old from Stirling initially signed up to the graduate apprentice scheme, allowing her to continue working alongside her studies, so she could change the direction of her career.

After taking several weeks to recover from the procedure, she is now starting work in a new role as IT delivery manager at Sky.

Leann said: “It’s shown my commitment and resilience to complete the degree – despite the challenges which it has thrown up.

“I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and had to have my full thyroid removed in May this year. I needed time to recover and get back on track. It meant I was going through that period of ‘oh god – what if, what if’.

“My approach with everything was one thing at a time, just take baby steps.

“I’m still in a wee bit of shock that I’ve graduated to be honest! I’m giving myself a significant pat on the back. I’ve done it to show my kids not to give up.”

Leann has paid tribute to her three children, aged 19, 15 and 9, for helping her complete her studies, as well as programme leader Jyoti Bhardwaj.

Leann added: “When the opportunity to do this course came up, I grabbed it with both hands. My kids were older, so I had more time to focus on what I want to do.

“I started the degree when I was 39, which is obviously later than many. It was pretty full-on – then obviously the pandemic hit and I had to combine it with home schooling – which was hard going. I think I got through it because I’m so stubborn!

“I previously worked in financial services – and I’m proud to have changed careers just a few years after deciding to make the move.”

IT’S SCRADUATION DAY!

Scran Academy AGM this evening

We have our AGM/Graduation at Fetlor Youth Club today and it would be great if some of our local partner were able to attend to help us celebrate what the young people have achieved and some of the plans for the future.

Ian Midwinter

Chief Executive, Scran Academy

www.scranacademy.com

@Scranacademy

University of Edinburgh graduates in celebration to remember

Recent University of Edinburgh graduates celebrated their achievements at a unique event last night with the help of two city icons – Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! 

This was the first in a series of celebrations across four days with nearly five thousand graduates from summer/winter 2020 and summer 2021, plus their guests, taking part in these processions in the magnificent setting of the Castle. 

Combining two of Edinburgh’s most famous institutions, the Tattoo and the University of Edinburgh, provided graduates and their guests with a night to remember.

Attendees were piped over the Castle drawbridge, then led in a procession by senior University academics, walking up through the Portcullis Gate and past the cannons, through Foogs Gate then into Castle Square accompanied by Tattoo dancers, pipers, drummers and fiddlers who provided entertainment along the way.

Graduates and their guests then entered the magnificent Great Hall, where they were capped by the University of Edinburgh’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Mathieson. 

The first group were joined in their procession by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who walked with them and passed on her congratulations to graduates. 

Professor Peter Mathieson said: “Over the last 18 months, our students have faced challenges like no others before them, so it’s fantastic to offer them such a special event to celebrate not only their achievements, but their resilience and commitment shown throughout the pandemic. 

“It was a truly memorable moment to see our former students complete their University journey at such a spectacular and iconic setting and we are very grateful to the teams at the Tattoo and Castle for working with us to make it possible.”

Buster Howes, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We’re committed to supporting the people and organisations of Edinburgh as the City starts to open up again.

“It’s been a privilege to collaborate with the University of Edinburgh and Historic Environment Scotland to give Edinburgh’s graduates a chance to celebrate with their families, their achievements over four years, which latterly have entailed significant challenges.

“We wish Edinburgh University’s graduates every success in the future – this is just the beginning for them!”

For more information about this year’s University of Edinburgh graduation, please visit: www.ed.ac.uk 

Rugby star’s degree was an eight year journey

SCOTLAND rugby international Alex Allan has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BSc honours degree in Quantity Surveying. The Glasgow Warriors prop forward completed his eight-year academic journey at a ceremony in the Usher Hall yesterday after juggling his studies with rugby commitments and an injury-enforced break. Continue reading Rugby star’s degree was an eight year journey

The Chanter raises a glass to University students

The Chanter, nestled near the heart of the university campus on Bread Street, will be offering users of its MORE loyalty card double points on their bubbly bottles this July – in honour of its student patrons. The promotion will run throughout the month, allowing everyone to take advantage, as they wave goodbye to exams and hello to the summer break. Continue reading The Chanter raises a glass to University students

First class!

academyThe first students to complete a groundbreaking project to boost young people’s aspirations and job prospects have been honoured at Edinburgh College’s annual Graduation ceremony. 

School students who took part in the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy programme joined the college’s graduates at the Usher Hall ceremony to pick up their scrolls and mark their success.

Twenty two school students completed the two-year academy programme, designed to give them education and industry experience while still at school, and six of them attended Edinburgh College’s Graduation on Friday 26 September.

These academy students are in a unique position, having now left sixth year of school while also achieving a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Hospitality. This secures them a place on specific courses at Edinburgh College or allows them to skip first year and move directly into the second year of the BA (Hons) in International Hospitality & Tourism Management at Queen Margaret University.

Fifteen of the students have now gone on to the QMU degree, two have gone to Edinburgh College to study Events and Tourism Management, respectively, three have gone to courses at other universities, and two have gone straight into the workplace.

The East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy launched in 2012 as a partnership between Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University and East Lothian Council. It was set up to give S5 and S6 pupils the chance to sample further and higher education and work experience while still at school, smoothing the transition into college, university and employment as well as raising aspirations and enhancing employability.

Following the Hospitality and Tourism Academy’s success, three other academies launched last year with a £4.6million award from the Scottish Funding Council, as part of the wider South East Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP). These were geared towards other industries earmarked as growth areas by the Scottish Government: Health and Social Care; Creative Industries; and Food Science and Nutrition. This expansion brought new partners into the project including an additional 34 schools across south east Scotland and more employers and businesses. The original partners have now been joined by City of Edinburgh, Midlothian and Scottish Borders councils, and Borders College.

The academies work with key industry partners, including Skills Development Scotland and Creative and Cultural Scotland, to allow young people to develop an understanding of the full range of jobs available within these sectors. Working so closely with businesses ensures that the academies are designed to meet their needs and help develop the workforce these growth sectors need to thrive.

This year more than 400 pupils from more than 50 schools in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian, and the Borders have signed up to the academies.

Ray McCowan, vice principal at Edinburgh College, said: “We’re delighted to conclude the journey of the academies’ first students in such a fitting way, alongside our other students in the wonderful surroundings of the Usher Hall. The project would not have been such a success without their enthusiasm and dedication, and they’re a credit to themselves, their schools and the project partners.

“They’re all going on to positive destinations, either to further studies or straight into the workplace, and I know they’re doing so with real passion and determination to succeed. Some of these young people didn’t know what they wanted to do but the academy has opened their eyes to some amazing opportunities they didn’t even know existed before. The academies are successfully creating new opportunities for young people and meeting the needs of industry as well as the government’s priorities for growth. The model is working and it’s great to see them come out the other end with the skills, knowledge and confidence that will benefit them whatever they go on to do.”

Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal at Queen Margaret University, said: “The academies project is one which is delivering real results for Scotland’s young people and we are delighted to see our first graduating students progress onto the next stage of their educational and career journeys. Not only is the academy experience giving our students a competitive advantage over many of their peer group, it will help contribute positively to the Scottish economy by preparing a new and skilled young workforce to bolster key growth industries. This graduation ceremony is a milestone for the academies project. We are extremely proud of the academy students’ achievements and of the positive outcomes being delivered by this pioneering collaborative project.”

Pictured: Back row: Marisa Kerr, Alice McMillan, Jake Lavery, Holly Harrison, Rosie Allan. Front row: Rachel Scott and Shelby Dalgleish. Hospitality and Tourism Management Academy. HNC Hospitality Management.