Nearly 1600 University of Stirling graduates celebrated their achievements on the 28th and 29th of June 2017 – this year’s ceremonies particularly significant given that 2017 is the year of the University’s 50th Anniversary.
We spoke to loads of happy grads on both days – here’s what seven of them had to say about Graduation, their time at Stirling and plans for the future.
Monika Gopal
BA (Hons) Marketing
“There hasn’t been a dull moment over my four years at Stirling. I’ve made friends for life and I’m proud of myself for maximising every opportunity, from getting involved with societies to undertaking work experience.
“It’s been a great platform to grow as a person. I’ll definitely look back on my time at Stirling very fondly.”
Simron Singh Kandola
BA (Hons) Human Resource Management and Law
“My time at Stirling has been an amazing journey, from start to finish, and a rollercoaster ride, from first to fourth year. I was quite reserved when I first came to the University and didn’t undertake any extra-curricular activities: however, I now feel like a more confident, independent and competent individual and I am ready for the next step in my life.
“Stirling has really helped me develop as a person and the journey has been an once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m going to really miss the University – the four years I have spent here will always be a part of my life.”
Papoula Petri Romão
BSc (Hons) Psychology
“When I came to Stirling I did not just want to be ‘student passing by’ – I wanted to settle and become part of the community. Volunteering as a befriender was a very rewarding experience, and it was great to help diversify the student experience at Stirling through my new society.”
Paul McMenemy
Doctor of Philosophy
“I always had an aptitude for mathematics at school, and initially thought about being a high school maths teacher. I quickly realised that I really enjoyed learning in-depth about computing science and maths.
“I have had the pleasure to teach numerous undergraduate maths students. I am always so happy to meet students I have taught who are graduating and this year there are a number of Access students graduating with honours that I taught in 2013. This gives me a real sense of pride.”
Doina Emilian
BA (Hons) Law and Marketing
“The pinnacle of my university experience was becoming a Saltire Scholar and working for Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in Switzerland.
“I was delighted to be selected and spent eight weeks in Geneva, working for a huge financial institution. I believe this experience shifted my perspective, my expectations and my ambitions, and made me a more focused person, ready to pitch my ideas to employers around the world.”
Cameron Bennie
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
“I’m a competitive and driven person and Stirling seemed like the best place to study for a degree in sport, while continuing my own sports participation at a competitive level.
“I’ve had the chance to learn from lecturers who are at the top of their field. My course was challenging but extremely interesting.
“It incorporated every aspect of sports performance, taught me numerous physiological testing techniques and highlighted the various benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”
Shumela Ahmed
BA (Hons) Journalism and Politics
“The biggest challenge I faced coming to university was the constant feeling that I did not deserve to be there. As a mother, I felt like I was being selfish in pursuing education at times.
“However, my family supported me every step of the way and they will now benefit from the experience just as much as I will. Whenever I felt like giving up and walking away, the University staff were supportive and encouraging. I could not have completed my degree without their support.”