The Big Student Thank You Awards

Nicola is a caring, motivational lecturer. She wants the best for her students She genuinely cares. This shows in her approach.

She was a great psychology lecturer, helped me realise that I would love to go on and study psychology at Uni.

Hugh is a fantastic lecturer, his rapport with the class makes for a relaxed and fun atmosphere that really helps with engagement and confidence in the learning. He's extremely approachable and understanding when needed and never fails to give advice and encouragement. This all combined makes for a very warm and friendly class environment, any student would be lucky to have him and the whole class is hopeful to have him again next term. if anyone deserves recognition for their work, its Hugh.

I want to say thank you as she has helped me very much this year with my sociology unit. And been a massive support to myself and other students. Im a older student so the support has been very helpful.

Throughout my life I've always struggled with maths and you took the time and patience to make sure I understood. I'm very grateful for your help.

Lesley has gone out of her way to be encouraging and supportive throughout my time at college. She has believed in me and had faith and confidence in me when I had none in myself.
She has taken her time to repeat things when I haven’t got the hang of them. I have hated maths for over 20 years after a bad experience in high school but Lesley has helped me push beyond that and achieve the next step on the ladder to my goal.

Thank you Lesley!!

Mario is an excellent lecturer who throughout my learning year supported me and guided me on how to be better. Marios teaching style displays his vast amount of knowledge and experience. His lectures are informative and interesting and Mario brings a great deal of fun to each of his classes. Mario displays empathy and support to all his students and has always shown a desire for all of his students to do their best, achieve and make positive changes within society. Mario will always be apart of my journey in succeeding as he believed in me even when I didn't.
Kelly

You have been so kind and patient with me and very understanding, as well as a great support to all students in your class too.

Maths has never ever been my strong subject. In fact, it’s always been one of my weakest ones. I need a good grade in maths to progress further in my studies and I can say confidently that Sue is the best maths lecturer I have ever had. She breaks things up in manageable chunks and provides excellent presentations that are incredibly user friendly, by offering lots of examples and practice questions that we can look back on and colour codes different areas to help us make sense of them, and always gives regular feedback on our work. Thank you Sue - I won’t miss maths but I will miss you!

I would like to nominate my teacher, Aisha Elshani, for The Big Student Thank You 2025. Aisha is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and one of the most supportive and cheerful people I have ever met. She treats every student with the same respect, kindness, and encouragement, creating a truly welcoming and inspiring learning environment. Her positive energy and dedication have made a real difference in my experience this year.

You have had a positive impact on my learning and have encouraged me to keep going when times were difficult for me so thank you

His continuous support made a huge difference for my creative journey and encouraged me to get out of my creative comfort zone which resulted in me gaining confidence at what I am doing right now and explored a new side of my practice,

I’m currently in my final year at Edinburgh College, and I wanted to put forward my lecturer for an award. She’s the first lecturer who has genuinely pushed me beyond my comfort zone — but in a really positive and encouraging way. Thanks to her, I’ve not only developed new skills but also learned how to push myself further than I ever thought I could. She’s made a real impact on my growth, both creatively and personally, and I finally feel like I’m reaching my full potential because of her guidance and support.

For her outstanding knowledge and support. Debbie goes beyond the classroom by sending information to help you in your studies. A true educator. She made sculpture so interesting and allowed me to think outside the box!

He’s genuinely an incredible lecturer. Always inspiring us to take art and illustration seriously and he’s just as excited as us when it comes to our projects. I don’t think I’ve had a lecturer who has given such good constructive feedback before and I want to strive to be a better artist because of it.

She has been so so helpful with my project. She had truly made sure to go above and beyond to help me to help me out with building my model. Couldn’t be more thankful for her help

Thank you for helping and supporting me in different ways and areas, even when I left something in the class you can still found it for me

She is very understanding of my support needs and has helped and taught me so much over the past couple years.

I would like to say a massive thank you to Duncan from everyone at the Foundation Apprenticeship for his outstanding work with each and every one of his students. We wouldn’t be where we were if it wasn’t for him. No matter what he manages to put a smile on our faces whenever he walks into a room. Thank you for everything you have ever done for us Duncan! We appreciate everything you’ve done for us all.

Thanks for being a great lecturer and debuting your dog Leonard on our online classes :)

I Want To Thank Linda For All The Help She’s Gave Me In Class As She’s Very Kind And Supportive She’s Always Willing To Help You With Anything Big Or Small

You have championed your students and created such a wonderful environment to work in all year!

She allowed me to express new skills within our end of year production and help me grow as an actor. She is overall a very good lecturer but also person.

I arrived on the Costume for Stage and Screen course with so little experience of making anything that everything was new but Liz made it so much fun and was so supportive. I really don't think I would have achieved half as much without her being our lecturer - she believed that I could do more ambitious designs and helped me do it.

When I was having a difficult time personally she was very kind and took practical steps that really made a difference. I have loved this first year at Edinburgh College and that's down to Liz.

They have delivered excellent engaging lectures. Kept the whole class on track and given me a huge amount of support throughout the whole year.

Callum has been the best lecturer - he has so much experience which really enriches our curriculum and gives us more background on what we’re learning which actually helps us to understand better and get different ideas. He is approachable, friendly (I have never seen him in a bad mood all year!) and supports us to achieve our potential. Thank you Callum

He always makes me feel welcome and puts the effort into teaching his students and is always positive. Great lecturer who is very helpful and cheerful.

Carly is a great teacher. She sees every student and tries to meet their needs. She is always prepared for class, never misses a class and is always willing to help via email, in person or in the class. She always has a kind smile. She inspired me to be like her in every area of my life.

Linda is a fantastic lecturer. She puts everyone at ease with her cheery disposition and makes it easy to learn. The whole class has had nothing but positive praise for her and she will remain our favourite of all this years classes. Thank you Linda, for just being an amazing human being and making learning so fun and positive. It is people like you who impact your students the most.

You always helped me when I didn't understand a certain area of the course, but most of all, you always gave me a smile and brightened my day. So thank you.

Rebecca has been teaching our year 1 HNC Counselling for the past year. With every lesson she encourages active and open discussion, sharing of opinions, interactive group and case work. Her lecturing style is engaging and patient, her lessons are varied, and she marks all of our assignments thoroughly, with encouraging feedback. I believe the entire class feels understood and encouraged when being taught by Rebecca and she would be an excellent nomination for this award.

Very kind and soft spoken. Makes you feel at ease even before a closed book

You have guided and pushed us all to success, been there for me during my best and worst times throughout the course, and for being a kind soul that is clearly committed to helping individuals transition into higher education.

She is so supportive to not just me but my full class. She always goes over and above for us all but personally she’s been such a great role model and so supportive after I’ve really struggled this year with college. I could not have gotten through this year without her. No matter the time she’s always there either on teams or real life to show us the support and encouragement we needed

Catrina is always willing to help no matter how many times you ask. She has made my journey through college amazing and fun. Catrina has helped me understand anything I was stuck on every single time I asked her. She’s been the best lecturer ever :)

Clara always goes above and beyond! She is an incredibly kind person & is always there to listen. She makes college a much more welcoming & comfortable environment to be in. She’s truly wonderful.

Being there for our class. (Offering the gin cupboard) arranging therapets and keeping us up to date with employment opportunities

You have supported me throughout all these years, celebrated my successes and held my hand when I was going through terrible personal stuff. You have supported me, encouraged me and believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You are an amazing tutor and friend.
And you give the best hugs!
I am a very, very lucky student to have had the chance to have you as a tutor.

Karolina has been a rock over my first year at the college. She’s always willing to go an extra mile and help whichever way she can! I can absolutely say she is a hero.

Thank you for helping and supporting me in different ways and areas

He has helped me over and over again.

Julie has went above and beyond to help and understand my needs and help me to understand the course I'm enrolled in. Thank you so much, Julie!

I have nothing but praise for Laurie and I think I speak for the entire music department. One feels like one can talk to him about anything and he always makes the effort to really listen and always responds with kindness. I feel like these last two years he has made the effort to get to know me, as I presume is the case for my fellow students. Laurie is a true class act and an all-round dude. Also he must work very hard because my experience studying music has been completely drama-free.

For the whole 3 years I’ve been at Sighthill, Rocio always went above and beyond to accommodate my needs and was a friendly face I could go to with anything.
She always made sure we understood what we were doing and made the tasks enjoyable so it didn’t feel like “lessons”.
Thank you for being so amazing at your job Rocio xox

Collin is a great lecturer. He is always very understanding and very obviously enjoys his job and wants his students to excel. He made the course more enjoyable and when ever I was struggling, he was always available to answer questions and give extra support.

You made a subject that a lot of people struggle with fun and interesting

This was the best and most put together unit I took all year. He was extremely friendly and guided the students to exactly what they needed. He took specific actions to not give any answers, nor have harsh requirements, but instead helped the whole class troubleshoot and determine the right course of action to develop our problem solving skills. Was a pleasure to have him as a lecturer.

The unit in question was Networking Technology and Computer Networking Concepts, practice, and introduction to security. He did the unit in a backwards format, allowing us near unlimited access to the physical networking devices, so that we could input the commands as we learn them to keep honing our skills with the Cisco command line.

This is an ideal lecturer with the best teaching methods, from my point of view, after 3 years of being his student.

Graham has been a great lecturer and is very helpful to all his students. He has taught many things in class and made us aware of certain clips/movies to watch which have been very beneficial. Overall he's a top dude

thank you

Getting the class through the year with her support and empathy

Of the help over the course with issues I've had, and how kind you have been throughout my stay at Milton campus

Thank you, Isela Shipton, for your brilliant work, incredible dedication, and strong effort in teaching people in our group English.
I even couldn't imagine, how difficult to keep a person's attention every time and every day, provided that everyone in our group had their own lives, problems, etc.
You incredible person.
Your explanation of grammar is wonderful, and the tests and tasks are very precisely. Probably it's the hardest kind of work for me, and I'm glad to know you and I can study English in your group. Edinburgh College is much stronger with you. Thank you so much. I appreciate you and your work.

You helped me a lot to improve my English and you were there always when we need the help and I will not forget your kindness and politeness. I was lucky to be one of your students.
Thank you very much
Awad Hassan

Really helped me getting my application through where the previous attempts had failed and didn't give up on me.
I would not have been able to do as well as I have without a laptop and things she did for me.

Rik is so far, one of the very best teachers I've had in my academic life - very easy to approach, flexible, understanding and of course very knowledgeable too. Always willing and available to help and support with anything no matter how silly the questions might be. Also goes the extra mile to find additional information and resources required to help with our studies both individually and collectively. Plus Rik has a good sense of humour too - something that is very useful for those times when you think you're loosing it as per all the new things you're learning and trying to 'upload' to your already overloaded brain especially as a mature student. Wouldn't trade Rik for another teacher for this course though and of course any other course he takes, thanks