6 days ago
Paisley graduate who felt 'misplaced and misunderstood' wants to inspire others
Brian Boyd, who completed a BA (Hons) in business and marketing, struggled when he was in school.
A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) student who felt 'misplaced and misunderstood' in school has graduated with a degree.
Brian Boyd, who completed a BA (Hons) in business and marketing, is now on a path to try and inspire others by becoming a lecturer. The graduate described his school years as 'terrible' and only went to avoid getting into trouble.
During this time, Brian says he felt misunderstood and was misplaced in additional support classes despite his academic potential. He left school with low confidence and a belief that higher education wasn't for him.
However, everything changed soon after arriving at the UWS. He explained: 'In my first year, I felt I didn't fit in, I hated it and I nearly dropped out. I couldn't make sense of the business language and I struggled to keep up.
'But when a lecturer noticed I was falling behind, and referred me to the disability team, everything started to make sense.'
Following the referral, Brian was diagnosed with dyslexia and later combined type ADHD.
He received support from the university's wellbeing and disability services team, and was awarded a UWS West scholarship which he used to help him fund a private ADHD diagnosis.
This marked both a turning point in his academic journey and his confidence. Brian said: 'It gave me the biggest confidence boost ever.
'I'd always felt something wasn't right at school. UWS gave me the tools to learn differently – the tools I needed to flourish. And it's led me to be able to chase my dreams.'
Brian's time at university was also marked by personal hardship. In his second year, his 90-year-old gran – who had helped raise him and nurtured his early love of cooking – was diagnosed with cancer.
Brian took on full-time caring responsibilities alongside his mum, often operating on just four hours' sleep while juggling university, part-time work and the care of his gran.
'She made me promise to finish my degree,' Brian said. 'She passed away in May and the very next day, I got the email to say I'd passed second year. That moment meant everything.'
His commitment was tested again when, later that year, his mum suffered a heart attack and his brother, Gary, had to rush her to hospital.
Brian went on to become a student ambassador, vice-president of the Student Rep Society and, at his graduation ceremony in Paisley Abbey, was awarded the Court medal for his academic achievement.
He credits his transformation to the university's culture of support, accessibility and belief in its students. Now working as a communications officer, Brian's sights are set firmly on the future.
He has already accepted a place to study a masters at UWS and plans to undertake a PhD in the future – ultimately hoping to teach the next generation of students.
He added: 'I want to show them that, no matter where you come from, or how long it takes you to get there, your dreams are valid. I want to give back to the university that gave me everything.'
Dr Xiuli (Shelly) Guo, programme leader for BA business and marketing and lecturer in marketing in the school of business and creative industries, said: 'Brian's journey is nothing short of inspirational.
'He has shown resilience, empathy and determination throughout his time with us, and has become a role model for a lot of students.
'We are so proud of his achievements and would be delighted to welcome him back to continue his MSc digital marketing programme, and a PhD in the future.'
