My biggest lesson learned from three years at GCU has been to never give up on yourself.

2021 Nursing graduate Rachel Mathieson shares her insight into life at GCU and life after graduating from university.

I chose to study at GCU because…

I chose to study at GCU as I had heard great reviews about the university and the course I chose to study. Glasgow is also my hometown so I wanted to study in the city as I knew my placements would be in the west side of the country which would be easier for me to travel to.

The most important aspect of my university experience has been…

During my 3 years at university, I received excellent support from staff and peers from my course. It was an extremely difficult time due to the coronavirus pandemic and not being able to attend classes on campus, but the lecturers helped us along the way and offered as much support as possible. I believe I would not have made it to the end of the course without the fantastic support I received as I found the online learning on top of placements very tough.

My biggest lesson learned so far is…

As I came to university as a 17-year-old school leaver, I believe my confidence has grown dramatically as I was one of the younger ones in my course. At first, I found the coursework extremely difficult due to the jump between school work and university work, but with the support I received, I managed it. My biggest lesson learned from three years at GCU has been to never give up on yourself, put in the effort and you will get to where you want to be.

I get my inspiration from…

I get my inspiration from my Mum, who is also a nurse and studied at GCU 20 years ago.

My next steps look like…

I graduated back in November and since then I have received my NMC pin and started working as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse. I accepted a job in an Assessment and Treatment ward for adults with a learning disabilities and poor mental health which has been my dream job for years and all the hard work has finally paid off. I would love to be able to progress in my career one day but for now I am looking forward to developing my nursing skills, ensure patients receive excellent person-centred care and be able to make a difference to patients lives.

You are most likely to bump into me…

As my learning was online since the beginning of 2nd year, I only spent my 1st year studying on campus. However, during my first year you would have most likely found me on the top floor of the library trying not to make a noise, struggling to work the printers, or sitting in the library café with my friends. I mostly enjoyed being able to mix with people who had the same passion and interests as I do, I was able to make an appropriate balance between studying and social time which I believe is important.

Thank you to Rachel for sharing her GCU experience, if you would like to share your #GCUGradStory visit: https://bit.ly/3C4zNqY 

For more information on how to apply to GCU visit: Undergraduate | GCU