David Connor

"Before I came to university, I was working as a learning mentor in a provision for young people that had been permanently excluded from mainstream school. During the pandemic, it was decided by the local council that the provision would be closed. There was another provision in the area that offered me a role, however, I decided I'd also keep my options open. My wife had been studying for a social work degree and was always telling me I should try university, however, I was working, and never even thought I could do it or that it would even be an option for me.

We found out that the University of Sunderland offered courses like the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year, which I felt I needed as I wasn't 100% confident in my abilities. I applied and thought no more about it, while I applied for other jobs such as roles in a local residential children’s home. To my surprise, I got offered the university course and the job, and as it's sessional and I can choose the hours I work, I could fit my studies around the job.

I chose to study at Sunderland as I'd heard great things about the staff, and I can confirm they're approachable and supportive. My favourite part of the course has been the people I've met; they've become great friends that I know I'll stay in touch with. In the future, when I've completed my studying, my future career aim is to get into educational psychology. I could even be tempted into working in a university now, as it's an environment I'm very comfortable in.

While studying, I've been working in residential childcare, in a youth club, and I'm currently a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) leader at the University. My course has given me a greater understanding of the young people I work with and how the complexities of their lives may be impacting on how they behave and feel now. This has allowed me to develop greater patience and understanding when engaging with them.

My advice for prospective students looking to study at Sunderland would be to just go for it, no matter what your age or doubts are. I came out of school with very little confidence in education and went straight out onto building sites. I went to college to get a qualification to work in schools when I was 30, and now at 40, I'm at university. Just turn up, work hard, and keep going, and you'll benefit massively. While studying can be hard, especially when you're a working dad, it's massively rewarding. There's no better feeling than getting a good grade for an assignment you've worked hard on. It's changed the way I think about certain things and made me realise that I can achieve good grades by putting in the work."