In September 2005, when I had just turned twenty two, I came to The North Highland College to do a course called NC BITS - Business and Information Technology Systems (this course is now called NC Business and Computing studies). I studied computing modules such as programming, multimedia, and introduction to networks, and also administration modules such as word processing, computer application packages, and business decision areas.

I joined the course later than any of the other students. This was because I was stuck in what I felt was a dead end job that had lost its satisfaction and I had no chance of furthering myself within that particular company. I decided to leave that kind of employment and carry on with my education to try and get a better job that could offer me more satisfaction, and more prospects for professional and personal development. Coming to the college was a scary decision because I knew it would be tough for me financially after being in full time employment for so long, it was also very psychologically challenging for me as I'd been at the college doing a similar course when I was sixteen. However, being that young and going through personal problems at the time, I didn't achieve as much as I should have.

Whilst I was studying the course I had a lot of brilliant tutors that really did help open me up personally and made me realise that I had a habit of selling myself short. All the staff I came into contact with whilst I was studying at the college really were fantastic, always smiling and very helpful.

At the end of my course I had to sit two exams, one for administration and one for computing. I got an A-grade in both, and passed all of the modules which I sat including some extra modules I took on after finishing other classes early.

After my course I got a job at the online projects section of the college (NHC Online) as a trainee web developer - which is exactly the field of work I've wanted to work in since I left high school. The work which I do there includes making course content available to students and tutors online, presenting it in such a way that it's clear and eye-catching, and ensuring that it is fully accessible to everyone.