Catherine Matheson

North Highland College UHI Student of the Year

Catherine Matheson (27) said that, just five years ago, she could never have imagined she would receive such an accolade.  Catherine who has been a student at the college for four years, left school at 16 working in a number of “dead end jobs” with no confidence or career aspirations.

Starting with the NC Equine Studies course, Catherine’s love of horses helped ease her back into learning. It was during this time that she contacted the Student Support Team who, with the help of the Educational Psychologist, diagnosed Catherine with dyslexia.  This did not deter Catherine from pursuing further study, as she created a learning plan whilst studying the BA Equine Business Management.  Three years on and Catherine is now a successful graduate with ambition to set up her own business - working with children and young adults with autism using equine learning which she researched as part of her degree.

Catherine was nominated by her personal academic tutor, Diane Ross, who commented, “Cathy has now completed her degree which although has an Equestrian theme and reflects her love of horses, it is predominantly a Business Management degree and is a massive step from the girl that left school at 16 thinking she was “stupid”.”

Catherine commented, “Without the diagnosis and support of the North Highland College UHI, I would not have been able to complete my degree or gain the self-esteem and self-confidence which I lost at school.  To all who have supported students in their educational needs, I thank you.”

Picture: Catherine Matheson, BA Equine Business Management, North Highland College UHI