Barbara is a mother of three living in a remote croft on Shetland, for whom commuting to college means a 200 mile trip to the mainland.
Elaine is a popular local radio presenter looking for the challenge of a new career.
Jan is a long-serving teacher who felt in need of a professional MOT.
Michelle is a graduate stepping onto the first rung of the career ladder.
Varied backgrounds - yet all four found what they were looking for at the University of Dundee.
Barbara, Elaine, Jan and Michelle have all successfully completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University's Gardyne Road campus. To mark their achievement, and that of 85 other students, a special graduation celebration will take place tomorrow, July 5.
Barbara Sandison completed the course though the University's distance learning programme. Her assignments were delivered to Shetland by air and she communicated with her tutors by email.
"The support I received from my course tutor Liz Greig was fantastic - I was in regular contact with her, which prevented me from feeling isolated. I now plan to do a postgraduate diploma in Education through the University's distance learning programme," she said.
Elaine Stevenson, from Dundee, is a familiar late night voice on Radio Tay but wanted to set herself a challenge with a new career as a Primary teacher. " I have always wanted to teach and despite the demands continuing with my show and having a new baby, I loved every minute of the course. It was a real challenge but I would encourage anyone thinking about changing direction like I did to go for it."
Jan Rollo completed the PGCE (Professional Development) course while continuing to teach at Capshard Primary School in her home town of Kirkcaldy. After beginning her teaching career in 1975 and witnessing the changes to the methods, ideology and philosophy of teaching over the years, she decided she could benefit from a professional "MOT".
"I would recommend the course to any teachers like myself, as I feel refreshed, motivated and feel more confident that having improved my practise I can now provide the best learning environment for the children I teach."
Michelle, 27, from Kirriemuir, has just started out in her working life after gaining a degree in community education from the former Northern College. She is looking forward to starting her probationary year at Friockheim Primary School.
"I have always wanted to work with kids and young people so I knew that teaching was for me. I'm a bit nervous but I can't wait to begin my probationary year. My husband to be Steven has just started his own probationary post as a policeman so it' s a time of big change for both of us."
Picture caption: Best foot forward - THREE HAPPY GRADUATES CELEBRATE FOLLOWING THEIR CEREMONY THIS MORNING AT THE UNIVERISTY OF DUNDEE'S GARDYNE ROAD CAMPUS. L-R: Michelle McGrath, Elaine Stevenson, Jan Rollo