Sara Laverton
Science
HND Applied Science
“I’m really glad I did the 2 + 2 Degree link with NESCol as I found myself well prepared with my lab techniques. Last year we had a practical research methods module and I found that a lot of the skills I learnt during my time at College were applicable and really helped me. I achieved an A grade for the unit and I attribute that to my time at NESCol. “
Sara (30) attended the city’s Northfield Academy and trained as a dental nurse after leaving school. During this time that Sara became pregnant and she qualified when her daughter Alexis was nine months old.
Not particularly challenged by her choice of career, Sara decided to return to NESCol to study Highers but it was a life changing event that motivated her to continue studying and apply for the HND in Applied Science.
Sara’s daughter Alexis was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was just four years old. After coming to terms with her daughter’s diagnosis, Sara decided she wanted to study science to better understand her daughters condition.
Juggling her studies and raising her daughter was difficult at times, particularly during her first year when Alexis suffered from ill health. Sara found her lecturers supportive, understanding and was grateful of the support they provided during her HND. Despite the challenging circumstances, Sara did really well on the course and achieved an A for her graded unit.
Thanks to NESCol’s degree link partnership, Sara was able to progress directly into year 3 of a BSc in Biomedical Science at The Robert Gordon University. She successfully completed her studies during the pandemic, achieving a 2:1 degree. She has since found related employment, enjoying a new career as a science technician in an Aberdeen City secondary school.