Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Cute pet pal eases students into term
A four- legged friend was among the many welcoming faces greeting new students beginning courses this term at Coatbridge’s college campus.
Cute labradoodle Agnes, along with Alex Watt and Alexandra Day-Watt of Help for Heroes, was in attendance at the three days of activity and information at New College Lanarkshire.
They were joined by PC Katie Edwards of Police Scotland, organisations including North Lanarkshire Leisure, the Terrence Higgins Trust, NHS 24 and Jobcentre Plus, and representatives of local charities, businesses and health organisations.
New students were also treated to live mus i c f rom DJs, photobooths, inflatable assault courses and free food including complimentary pizza and vouchers from Domino’s.
Students’ association president Calum Smith, of Airdrie, said: “The first week of college can be a daunting and nervous time for a lot of students, and we wanted to give them a few hours to not only break the ice with their fellow students, but enjoy themselves and ultimately relax in a college environment.
“We wanted the freshers’ events to be more substantial and serve a purpose by being engaging, educational and fun.
“I was at all three main campuses and couldn’t have asked for more from the students, staff and organisations involved, and we’d like to thank everyone who participated.”
Former engineer Calum Smith was elected last term as the association president for the next year, representing 16,000 students at the college’s six campuses.
He returned to education last year as a mature student, and completed NQ barbering and male grooming at the Coatbridge campus, and will combine his student role with working two days per week at John Martins barbers on South Bridge Street in his home town.