Lecturer Spotlight: Trevor East

What's your role at D&A College, and what's the story behind how you ended up here?

I am a lecturer in Health and Social Care, formerly lots of things, but more recently, I was a Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities. I worked all over Scotland and for a short time in New Zealand as well. One day I came by the college asking about courses for CPD and left with a date for a job interview, the rest is history.

So, work is one thing, but what's the scoop on your life outside these college walls? Any exciting projects or weekend adventures?

So I live in Kirrie’ with my partner Lynne, who is also a lecturer at the college, which I love, as we both get to share our ups and downs in the role, but not talking about work all the time can be a challenge! I’m pretty chilled out these days, although I do love the outdoors and try and be out there as often as I can. When I was younger I spent my weekends either kayaking off waterfalls with my mates from uni or training as a Combat Medical Technician with the Army Reserves. Most of my duties were in the UK but I did get to Holland, Germany and Brazil doing some medical covers which was amazing.

If you had to ditch your current expertise for something entirely different, what subject would you dive into, and what's the reasoning behind your switch up?

I love to see and try my hand at being creative and arty. I’m not particularly talented that way, but I’m happy to give it a try. I would love to be able to make things and have that be what I did for living although I might need a lot more practice first. Lynne and I got to meet Keith from the Pottery Throwdown this year, so definitely feeling inspired to give that a go……

If you could have any person, dead or alive, as a guest lecturer in your class, who would it be and why?

There's a guy I see on Instagram called Javeno McLean, who runs J7 Health Centre in Manchester. He does some really awe-inspiring work with people with a wide range of physical injuries and/or impairments. What makes him unique though is his unparalleled enthusiasm and his ability to connect with people. Having him speak to my class about his passion for what he does and how he supports individuals to achieve would be priceless.

Share with us the most valuable piece of advice you've picked up on your academic adventure, especially when it comes to navigating the ins and outs of your subject.

I would say it would be ‘To never lose sight of your goal’. Studying can be fun, but is often hard and it can push you to your limits. It’s a long path involving a several years of studying to become a nurse or social worker, but it can be for the right person the most rewarding job in the world and so desperately needed, so stay focused and stick with it.

If Trevor has inspired you, browse our Health and Social Care courses here!

Look out for more lecturer spotlights coming soon!