One of the most uplifting aspects of my job as principal of West Lothian College is the unsolicited feedback I receive directly from students about the difference that college has made to their lives.

At graduation ceremonies it is a great privilege to be able to congratulate each graduate personally. As they move towards me on the stage, I love seeing how proud they are of their success. I love seeing how proud their guests are, and I especially love seeing how proud those who taught and supported them are.

Martine graduated with HNC Accounting. She came to see me a few days after the graduation ceremony to let me know just how life-changing the college has been for her.

Martine’s family lives in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Sadly, her mum died earlier this year and Martine’s heart is still aching as she learns to live without her. With her family thousands of miles away, our empathetic staff stepped in to help Martine cope with her grief and the resulting impact on her mental health.

Every day I see examples of how those who work at our college lead with empathy. Many students tell me personally how they have been helped by their lecturers, assessors, learning support assistants, counsellors … the list goes on!

I was very moved by Martine taking the time to tell me how supportive everyone in the college has been, especially when she is still struggling with her grief. In this year’s graduation speech I spoke about how my mum inspired me. She died 21 years ago. My life since then has grown around the hole her death left in my heart.

I’ve no doubt that Martine’s mum played a huge role in inspiring her to get to where she is today.

I’ve no doubt about how proud she would have been of her daughter who managed to smile bravely as she walked across the graduation stage.

And, with continued support from our college family, I’ve no doubt that Martine will graduate next year with her HND and that her grief will be lighter than it is today.

Here’s what Martine said about those who have helped her.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to West Lothian College, an institution that has been much more than just a place of learning for me. At a time when grief darkened my days and every step seemed more difficult, I found in this place a true sanctuary of support and kindness.

This college, through its commitment and humanism, has been able to offer me a solid shoulder, a source of resilience, and an unwavering light to accompany me through the darkness of my trials. Without this unwavering support, taking the steps towards this accomplishment would have been impossible.

To my HNC and HND Accounting lecturers, please accept my sincere thanks for your unwavering support and for the tireless efforts you make every day to guide your students to success. You have been, in these particularly trying times, attentive mentors, embodying the patience and kindness that I needed.

I would also like to thank in particular the Student Support team and the counselling service. Thanks to your attentive presence and your constant listening I have been able to overcome challenges that, without you, would have seemed insurmountable. Your support has allowed me to transform each difficulty into a source of motivation and each moment of doubt into a step towards this accomplishment. Without you, I would not have made it.

This accomplishment is therefore as much yours as mine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this journey, and for believing in me.”