University meant everything to me , it made me believe in myself and to prove others wrong. I was told by my Grammar school I wouldn’t get into any universities , as I didn’t get A or A* grades at AS level. I proved them wrong , I got offers from top universities in the counter including Cambridge and LSE . Both of which I was able to decline as I found a choice that suited me better, which was Greenwich university. I wanted to be in London , but LSE and UCL felt too chaotic and unlike my home in NI. Greenwich was perfect with its large parks beside each campus , friendly care leaver support staff and small town feel.
Success for me back in July was graduating , having been removed from my course , due to failing a module , as I had mental health issues , at the end of my second year I gave up. I believed that was the end of my journey at university, luckily the care leaver co-ordinator , the vice chancellor and my head of school fought to get me into my third year. I eventually graduated last July with a 2:1 result. That was true success after a global pandemic , no parents, mental health difficulties and a bereavement, I completed my degree and got the second highest honour possible .
University has allowed me to believe in myself and network with many different areas of society. I have had opportunities to meet CEOs of large corporations such as LinkedIn , Coca-cola , multiple prime ministers and senior ministers all of which will be useful for my future career in politics. I have also been able to travel to over 40 countries and work in the USA. It also being from Northern Ireland opened my mind to new , cultures, religions , languages and traditions which I never would have been exposed to before.
Although I’m not guaranteed a job at the end of my studies the skills and qualities and networking that I’ve learnt , will allow me to seek and gain employment in several sectors and countries.
Kevin, Social Work and MA Social Work, University of Greenwich and Cardiff University
Photo by Jad Limcaco on Unsplash
