Positive steps for Podiatry award winners

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Christopher, Rosemary, Catherine and Cameron were all delighted to receive their rewards

Four Podiatry students have received special awards recognising their hard work throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Podiatry lecturers selected Chris McAllister, Rosemary Walters and Catherine Carr as the Top Overall Student for their respective year groups. Cameron Turner also collected the Spàirn Award; a prize awarded to the student who has shown the most improvement in their academic profile over the course of their studies to date.

We sat down with the four award winners to hear how it felt to receive some well-deserved recognition.

Top Overall Student in Level 1 for 2023/2024: Chris McAllister

Chris: “It was a great feeling to win the award. For me, the best part about it was that it proved putting in the hard work and effort pays off. That rewarding feeling has definitely motivated me to keep it up as I progress into second year. I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me at the beginning or even middle of first year that I would have achieved this.

“The lecturers are all very supportive and great at what they do. It's because of them that I was able to do so well in first year.”

“I've really enjoyed being a student at GCU so far. The Podiatry degree has been so interesting to study. I'm looking forward to the years and content still to come.”

Top Overall Student in Level 2 for 2023/2024: Rosemary Walters

Rosemary: “I was really shocked when one of our lecturers, Debbie, came into the class and told me that I’d got an award for something. I’d done a lot better than I thought I had in my exams last year, but I didn’t really think I’d done great.

“It was really lovely and I would definitely describe it as a good shock! I would say it was almost reassuring to find out that I have been doing well and it helped put any of the doubts I had about myself to bed a little bit. It definitely gave me more confidence heading into this academic year, which is really nice.

“My first year at GCU was my first year back in full-time learning since covid, so it had been a bit overwhelming. I now know that I’m in the right place and progressing well with the course.”

Top Overall Student in Level 3 for 2023/2024: Catherine Carr

Catherine: “I’m a mature student and initially studied Biomedical Sciences before going on to do a PhD in Developmental Neuroscience. I was then working as a lecturer in Anatomy for over ten years before eventually feeling like I just needed a change. Podiatry just seemed like the perfect next step for me.

“It’s always challenging to make that decision to return to education and leave yourself that little bit vulnerable, so it’s nice to get a boost and know you’ve made the right choice.”

“It felt like a bit of a shock because there are a lot of very good students in the class, and there were certainly some of my exams that I thought could have gone better.”

Spàirn Award Winner for 2023/2024: Cameron Turner

Senior Lecturer Ruth Barn explained the origins of the award: “This award is dedicated in memory of Gail Beaton who was a highly respected NHS GGC Podiatry manager who sadly died from cancer. Spàirn is gaelic and means endeavour/strive which is synonymous with Gail who was very hard-working, dedicated and dependable.”

Cameron: “I really wasn’t expecting it! It’s good to know that you’ve came on – especially in third year when you’re working towards distinction. I wasn’t the best student in first or second year but I feel like I did improve a lot throughout third year, so it was really nice that was recognised.

“I left school six years ago and went to City of Glasgow College to do Sports Therapy before progressing on and coming to GCU. It’s not been smooth sailing because obviously we were still impacted by covid in first year, but I’ve really enjoyed my experience at GCU. I think my passion for the subject has led me to work harder and get better results.”

By Ross Clark    
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