In my undergrad my son was diagnosed with leukaemia (he is all clear now) and the support from the university, lecturers and my peers was unbelievable.

2021 MSc Social Work graduate Aidan Martin shares his insight into life at GCU and life after graduating from university.

I chose to study at GCU because…

I felt that GCU was welcoming to people like me who grew up working class. I believed it was a university in which I would get the chance to succeed and grow.

The most important aspect of my university experience has been…

Many things. In my undergrad my son was diagnosed with leukaemia (he is all clear now) and the support from the university, lecturers and my peers was unbelievable. Studying in Glasgow was a big draw because I love the city and the people who reside there. I am also a recovering addict so the idea I would go on to achieve first a BA Hons and then an MSc degree is beyond my wildest dreams.

My biggest lesson learned so far is…

I left high school with no qualifications. I grew up in an area where social deprivation was rife. So I had misconceptions about Uni life. I thought it was for ‘other people’ and not for working-class folk like me. I am also not naturally academic. I learned that perseverance, hard-work and determination are the best skills in my toolbox. And never be afraid to ask for help, guidance and support. We all need that!

I’m proud to be part of the University for the Common Good because…

Gaining an education has assisted me to become a published author of a critically acclaimed book (a memoir called Euphoric Recall). It provided me with the tools and confidence to go on to become a political campaigner and activist tackling the drugs-related-deaths crisis in Scotland. I am now part of the solution in society and working every day to create change. My time at Glasgow Caledonian University has unequivocally assisted with this mammoth growth in my life. I give back to my community and am also in the early stages of launching a charity to tackle addiction, social isolation, mental health and social deprivation in my local community. Someone at GCU once told us that we should use our qualifications and education to make a positive difference in the world and that is what I am most proud of.

I get my inspiration from…

My family. Other recovering addicts who fight and scrap to get well. Nelson Mandela. Sir Alex Ferguson. Darren McGarvey. Every lecturer who believed in me in my further education from college right through university. The roots I have from growing up working class in Ladywell, Livingston. The desire to create change and save lives. Any artist from a working-class background dedicating themselves to their craft despite how futile it feels at times to get breakthrough moments. Any student grinding hard whilst juggling a million other things. Any human being who has been in the gutter and fought their way out. And any human being who shows selfless love and kindness to other human beings.

My next steps look like…

I am currently talking to agents pertaining to my second book. This one is a fiction looking at ‘lad culture’ in the early noughties. And I am in the early stages of launching a local charity aimed at supporting vulnerable people in my community.

Thank you to Aidan for sharing his 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