Starring role for inspirational member of the class of 2023

October 6, 2023

Not only did Poppy Wishart (20) collect her HND at this week’s NESCol Aberdeen graduation ceremony, she performed at it too!

Poppy is a singer songwriter who has spent the last four years perfecting her craft within the creative hub of the Basement at Aberdeen City Campus.

Poppy performed ‘The Greatest Height’ at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies at the Music Hall on Tuesday, a song she wrote and composed herself.

Poppy left school after fourth year and came to NESCol on a non-advanced music course, progressing through the different levels offered at City Campus right through to HND.

She said: “I didn’t have a positive secondary school experience and was badly bullied. Coming to NESCol was like a new beginning for me and I left a different person from who I was when I first walked through those doors.  I’ve always loved music and the courses allowed me to focus on my passion and nurture my skills.  It was challenging at times but I have learnt so much and grown in resilience and confidence. “

Poppy met many likeminded people through her time at College, many of them becoming firm friends. She also had the opportunity to perform at various venues in the City including at the ‘Light the Blue’ festival, at a band showcase at Krakatoa and in the Lemon Tree.

A huge part of Poppy’s positive experience at NESCol was down to her lecturers and she is glowing in her praise of them.

Poppy said: “My lecturers were just fantastic, I cannot thank them enough for what they’ve taught me but also for how supported they made me feel. Their belief and encouragement of me as a singer songwriter has been invaluable and truly helped build my confidence to bring me to where I am today.”

As well as working on her music, which is available to listen to via Spotify, YouTube and other platforms under her stage name Poppy Alice, the NEScol graduate is currently working at The Breadmaker in Aberdeen, a social enterprise that supports adults with learning disabilities.

Poppy said, “I really miss coming to College as it was such a big part of my life for four years. However, I’m excited for what the future brings and performing at the NESCol Graduation is such an amazing platform for me. I’m very grateful to my lecturers for nominating me and the event organisers for affording me such a wonderful opportunity.”