Isla Patterson has been studying Social Media & Animation through West College Scotland’s Schools’ Vocational Programme. The courses on offer are ideal for students who want to explore subjects and possible career choices which they may not have had the opportunity to study at school.

“I’m enjoying it a lot. You get your own set of freedoms but I’m still tied down to my hobby so I’m not really missing much."

I love just sitting and drawing. Sure it’s great to be relaxed and chatting to my pals in class but it’s great to just get my head down and have a main focus. It’s great to express my hobby.

I really like cute things, which I’ve already tried to hide. But this year, I’ve really enjoyed expressing myself and drawing a lot more of what I like – it’s became a real comfort.

Coming to College whilst still at school is nice. I get bored at school quite easily so it’s great to get out now and again and get into a nice atmosphere.

I’m leaving school come summer time, I really can’t wait to get out and move on. I plan on doing illustration in college. That being said, I’m still looking at what options I have for different courses. Beyond that, I would love to gain the right qualifications and progress onto art school.

Illustration is definitely the area I want to study in however. My dad runs a tattoo & piercing shop so if I can get the right qualifications, I feel like a I have a path set out for me.

If you enjoy what you do, and you see something that you feel is suited to you, I say you just go for it. It doesn’t matter if it’s outside of school or not, it’s your own choice to go and study what you want to. So don’t let anyone deter you from the fact that it’s college or try and force you down another path, you have a choice – do want you want and run with it.”