03-07-2025
RGU graduate who started uni at 16 begins career in law
Going to university is a big step towards adulthood, especially if you're also moving out of the family home.
But while some of us (me) found it hard to make the move at 18, Katie Thomson already had two years under her belt by the time she was that age.
The former Mintlaw Academy pupil had a clear plan in her mind from third year, knew what she needed to do, and went for it.
And this week, at just 21, she graduated from Robert Gordon University and will now embark upon a career as a solicitor.
Lockdown solved the problem of being two years too young to go to the pub with her new uni friends.
But how was it moving into a flatshare and starting university at the tender age of 16?
With Covid affecting her school years too, Katie nonetheless got five Highers in fifth year – English, maths, history, French and Spanish.
After that, she went to university, skipping sixth year, which is not unusual in itself. But because she was young for her year, with a December birthday, she started aged just 16.
Katie explained: 'I went into a flat when I was 16.
'I think I was quite a grown-up 16. It was a little bit scary, but not too bad.
'I don't think my parents were too worried – they knew I was only an hour away if anything happened.'
And although the social side of things might have potentially been tricky – although not everything at uni revolves around the pub – Covid took care of that.
Katie said: 'Because of Covid, no-one was really able to go out anyway, so I didn't really miss out on Freshers Week stuff.
'We got lectures to watch at home and then for the first semester, I was just in for one day every two weeks.
'I would say it was hard to try and get help with things and meet new people.'
So in a way it was lucky for Katie that second year became the new first year socially.
Lockdown eased then, pretty much when she turned 18.
She added: 'Everyone met each other in second year.'
Katie, the oldest of seven children, got a 2:1 Honours degree in law last year. And now, she has graduated with her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
She attended the ceremony with her mum Lisa, dad Peter, step-parents and fiance Logan.
Never one to waste time, she started a new job as a paralegal the day after she finished her diploma.
And she has a little bit of advice for those planning their next steps.
She said: 'I think it's different for me, because I was lucky enough to know what I wanted to do.
'If you know early what you want to so, then just go for it.'
