Kathryn McEwen-Smith studies our BSc (Hons) in Counselling and was shortlisted for Student Representative of the Year. Alongside her studies and counselling placement, Kathryn has embraced her role as a student representative with dedication and a genuine commitment to supporting her peers. She is known for her compassionate approach and ability to create a safe and approachable space for students to share their thoughts and concerns.
Returning to study as a mature student has been a challenge, but Kathryn has tackled it with determination and hard work. “I am very pleased to be nominated, as returning to study in my 40s has not been easy, but I have tried very hard to give my best efforts.” Her commitment is evident in both her academic success and her professional development, achieving first-class passes on her last three essays and completing an impressive 150 hours of placement experience at New Dawn, a local counselling charity. “This has given me real-life experience of working with lots of different people dealing with different issues, which has increased my confidence on a professional level.”
Her time at University Centre Weston has been enriched by the strong sense of community and support from tutors, peers, and student services. As a student representative, Kathryn has gained valuable insight into the way UCW collaborates with students to enhance their learning experience. She has also made full use of the excellent facilities, particularly the library, where access to academic resources has been invaluable to her studies. “The Counselling degree is challenging with the academic work and placement, but the HEART team are there to support you when you are struggling. At times the workload can be overwhelming, but with support from tutors and colleagues, it can be managed.”
Looking ahead, Kathryn plans to complete her degree and pursue a career as a practising counsellor, with aspirations to specialise in areas such as CBT and Art Therapy. Reflecting on her journey, she credits UCW with helping her grow both personally and professionally. Her confidence has flourished, and she has built strong friendships along the way. Her advice to prospective students is simple: “Do it! It’s a very supportive place to learn, and you will gain so much personally and professionally.”
Find out more about Counselling at UCW by clicking here!
