Poppy (18), who is originally from Selkirk, moved to Glasgow last week to study at the International Christian College and, as part of her course, will be spending time working as a youth worker for Cadder Parish Church in Bishopbriggs.

What course are you doing?
I'm doing a degree in youth work with applied theology. I've just moved to Glasgow and am enjoying Freshers Week, seeing the sites of Glasgow, meeting people and getting to know the city.
The degree takes three years, or four if I want to do the diploma.
My mum is at college as well at the moment, studying social work in the Borders, so it will be nice to be able to compare the experience with her.

Why did you choose to take this specific degree in Glasgow?
My mum and dad brought me up as a Christian and I've attended Selkirk Baptist Church for around the last ten years.
I was part of the youth group at the church and really enjoyed it, so it would be great to give something back and give others the opportunities that I had.
Last year I took a year out to take part in youth work at the church. When I was about half way through, I decided that it was what I wanted to do at college.
The International Christian College is the only college where you do practical work alongside the degree, and it was important to me to be doing hands-on work as well as studying the academic side.

What kind of work did you do in Selkirk?
I ran a series of youth clubs in the evenings - both secular and Christian.
A couple of times of week, I went to high schools and I also went to primary schools to play with the kids at breaktime and speak at their assemblies.

What do you want to do after you graduate?
After university I would like to go into youth work of some

type and at some point would like to travel and work abroad. I'd really like to do missionary work in Africa at some point in the future. My degree should give me a head start.

What type of work will you be doing for Cadder Parish Church?
I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing as I've yet to speak to the minister about it, but I'll be working around 20 hours a week - mainly in the evenings and at weekends.
I'm really looking forward to working in Bishopbriggs and hope to get involved with the local schools and work with children.
I really love Bishopbriggs because it is a lot like home in that it's quite quaint - especially compared to the city centre of Glasgow, which is a bit scary!

What interests do you have outside your studies?
I enjoy dancing and I've done a few years of jazz dancing and ballet. Also, I enjoy art and do a bit of painting and drawing.
Now that I'm living in Glasgow I think shopping will become a bit of a hobby as well. Selkirk doesn't have a lot of shops, so there's lots of new opportunities to shop now.

Getting
to know you
First car: I've never had a car.
First record: The Spice Girls
Book currently reading: The History of Christianity
Favourite holiday destination: The British seaside.
Favourite TV programme: Scrubs.
Famous person most like to meet: Jim Carrey.