One highlands graduate yesterday proved it is never too soon to start a career, after leaving home at just 17-years-old to peruse her education, and a job.
Nicole Palompo from Lerwick was always keen to move away from home, and in a ceremony at His Majesty’s Theatre yesterday she graduated with her degree in public relations.
The 22-year-old decided not to stay on for sixth year at high school and instead chose to follow in her older sister’s footsteps and move to the Granite City when she was just 17.
She said: “My sister moved here before me as it was the closest city from the Shetlands and from then I was always keen to follow.
“When I was that young I really didn’t see Edinburgh or Glasgow as an option, and I have loved my time in Aberdeen.
“My highs are definitely the strengthening of the relationship I gained with my sister – she left home before we were able to become best friends. She was really understanding when it came to university course work stress.
“Moving away young was also a high for me as it made me grow up fast and I think that has really made me who I am today, but also really made me appreciate my parents.”
Whilst studying in Aberdeen Miss Palompo also found the time to hold down a long-term job, helping her decide where she would like to move in the future.
She said: “I never struggled with the workload given by the college or university.
“Last summer I got a full-time (40-50 hours) job at Zara and kept this at 20-30 hours when I got back to university.
“I never felt pressure from parents or myself to get a good grade so I think this kept me calm during the last year – my work mates at Zara definitely played a big part in keeping my sanity too.
“Also after being away from home for five years I was ready to move onto the next thing and getting a job was the logical next step for me.”
Miss Palompo now hopes to pursue a career in the retail industry after enjoying her work on the high street.
