Journey to GCU: Katie Moffat

Katie previously studied Musical Theatre in London and worked at The Disney Store
Katie previously studied Musical Theatre in London and worked at The Disney Store

Here at GCU Student Life, we’re looking to showcase our diverse range of students with our brand new #JourneytoGCU campaign.  

We’ll be focusing on the various routes students have taken to study with us here at our city centre campus, as well as finding out a bit more about them on a personal level. 

First up is fourth year Occupational Therapy student, and Department Rept, Katie Moffat: 


Where are you from? 

"I’m from Chryston, a town in North Lanarkshire just outside of Glasgow."  


What did you want to be when you were growing up? 

"I’ve always wanted to be a lot of things! I’ve always imagined careers for myself in any of my interests, but the standout ones were to be a singer, a teacher, an actor and an inventor." 


How did you come to study at GCU?

"When I finished high school in 2012 I moved to London and completed a degree in Musical Theatre. I graduated in 2015 and I got a job at The Disney Store on Oxford St where I worked for about two years. I was promoted to part of the management team and got to plan a lot of fun things like events, volunteering, awards, and creating magic moments for people and staff in the store.  

I left there to try a different career, managing a before and after school service at a primary school. Returning to University was always in the back of my mind, but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to study. When I wasn’t working, I spent some time in the classrooms shadowing the teachers, additional support staff, and speech and language therapist.  

I knew I wanted variety and new opportunities, so Occupational Therapy seemed like a perfect fit the more I read about it. After a lot of procrastination, I applied for the Occupational Therapy course in 2018 and here I am!" 


What made you want to study your subject? 

"I always knew a little about Occupational Therapy because I have family in the health service who always talked about how great Occupational Therapists are! 

At the time of applying for the course I thought it was a good fit for me. I was interested in it and thought that it would give me different options while I studied and when I graduated.  

What was once just an interest is now a passion, I absolutely love the course and the profession. Something about it excites me or sparks my interest every day, and I’m very grateful that I was interested enough four years ago to apply in the first place! It is a subject that I have grown into and that has given me room to develop so much as an individual and future practitioner."


What appealed to you specifically about studying in Glasgow? 

"I always knew that if I studied again, I wanted it to be at GCU. Something just always felt right about it. Plus, I’d lived in London for six years, so somewhere close to home was of course very beneficial to my empty savings account!"  


Favourite thing about studying at GCU? 

"It is very difficult to think of just one thing! I really do love how many opportunities there are for students outside of classes.  

I feel lucky to have been involved in work within the department, Students Association and the OT Society. There is always something to get involved with, and I’ve always felt that my opinions as a student have been valued." 

 

By Ross Clark        
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on Twitter