Emma Sutherland

North Highland College UHI student of the year

 

Emma Sutherland, 32, from Thurso returned to college in 2010 to study BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering on a part time basis. Emma has achieved exceptional grades on the degree, all the time managing work demands - working long shifts, taking on unscheduled overtime and attending external courses.

Course Tutor, Lois Gray said “At times, Emma came straight to class after working a night shift, but she still remained cheerful, friendly and helpful, despite being obviously exhausted. Emma also mentored others on the course that did not have the level of knowledge and practical experience she had acquired in the workplace.

Emma commented: “When I left school I didn’t contemplate going to university, opting instead for an apprenticeship. The timing was right for me to come back to college. I took the same practical approach to my studies as I do to work; I followed the syllabus logically and invested time and effort to do as good a job as I possibly could. Ultimately, I’ve managed to get a degree, something I never imagined I’d ever achieve.

 

Picture: Emma Sutherland, BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North Highland College UHI