A Fraserburgh student who studied half her degree in college has graduated from Robert Gordon University.
Natasha Ritchie joined hundreds of other students at HM Theatre yesterday to celebrate gaining her honours degree in applied social sciences.
The 23-year-old joined the course in its third year after completing two years of social sciences at North East Scotland College.
The course was part of the “2+2” matriculation link between the two organisations.
The former Fraserburgh Academy pupil said that the transition between college and university had been so challenging she thought about giving it all up.
However yesterday she was glad she persevered when she was finally able to don her cap and collect her scroll.
She said: “I feel absolutely delighted to have graduated with a degree in applied social sciences from RGU.
“I’m the first person in my family to go to university, I adore learning and I always knew I wanted to go.
“I did the advanced entry course and left college with an HND which meant I went straight into third year of university.
“The experience was very daunting as college and university are completely different.
“After all the stress after third year I did consider leaving as I felt I may not have the capabilities for the dissertation work in fourth year.
“However my friends, family and tutors assured me that I would manage fourth year so I decided to stay and thankfully it was the best experience.”
She said she had always been interested in social science from a young age, and wants to use what she’s learned at university to work for an organisation that helps people.
Miss Ritchie said: “I have always been fascinated with how people develop through infancy, how they change through hardship and interact within society.
“I’m currently applying for employment opportunities linked to human resources in a number of charity organisations, the NHS and Police Scotland.
“I feel a long as I am interacting and helping people I will be very happy.
“I am extremely happy to graduate from a fantastic university, and my family are so proud of my achievements.
“I have really enjoyed my time at RGU even though it may be shorter than everyone else I feel that I have achieved a lot.”
