Zac’s Story: One Year On
Just over a year ago, Zac left our Vibe service and began a new chapter — starting an Access Course at Edinburgh College. Zac joined Vibe in 2022, looking to build confidence and take his next steps toward adulthood. Now, a year after leaving the service, he spoke to us about college life, new ambitions, and what’s changed for him since making the move.
Q: How has your first year at college been since leaving Vibe?
Zac: Easier than I thought it would be. When I first started college, I was on a course that wasn’t right for me – it was way too easy. I asked to be moved up, and they moved me. It was alright after that. It took a few weeks to feel like it was my “new normal”, but the change didn’t feel as overwhelming as I thought it might.
Q: You’re now heading into a photography course – what inspired you to choose that course?
Zac: I’ve always enjoyed photography. There aren’t many photos of me because I’m usually the one taking them. My friends started posting the pictures I took on their Instagrams and I guess I realised I was getting quite good at it. I started taking photos just for myself and editing them at home – badly, I’ll admit [laughs]. I was going to apply for the course last year but I think it would’ve been too overwhelming. Doing the Access Course first has made me feel ready.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about the course?
Zac: I get a camera on loan – that’s cool! And they’re going to teach us how to use Photoshop which I’ve never been able to get my head around.
Q: Do you think your time at Vibe helped with the transition to college?
Zac: Definitely. Especially learning how to speak to people. Doing my work experience with the Facilities team at Donaldson’s was a big help. I was working with people who were a lot older than me – much older if you’ve seen Craig! Please include that [laughs]. It made me feel more independent. And at Vibe, I felt like I could be a friend – someone people could rely on. That’s helped me not just at college but in life.
Q: Last year, you told us “I want to be a firefighter. When I was a kid, I nearly lost my leg but thanks to a firefighter they saved it. And maybe one day I’ll also do some support work, like Neil does here, to support other people. Neil’s not a bad guy. [laughs]”. Are your future goals still the same, or have they changed over the past year?
Zac: I still want to be a firefighter – that hasn’t changed. It’s just harder to get into than I expected. I’ve been looking into maybe doing it abroad, like in Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, which could be pretty cool. I’d still like to be a support worker at some point too. Coming from my background, I think I could really help people.
Vibe is our wellbeing service for neurodivergent young people aged 12-18 with a focus on reducing anxiety and building resilience to improve self-esteem. We help young people to develop coping strategies to feel supported, enabling them to re-engage with learning and helping them to realise a future where they can achieve.
From building confidence at Vibe to stepping into college life and pursuing new ambitions, Zac continues to show what’s possible when neurodivergent young people are empowered to take the lead in shaping their own futures.
We’re proud to have been part of Zac’s story — and excited to see where his passion, humour, and determination take him next.
To learn more about our Vibe service, click here.
