Growing up in a small welsh village, educated in a primary school of about 30 pupils in total, I never dreamed I would be months away from graduation today.
My Mamgu and Daps lived just down the road, and my great grandparents a stones throw from my front door. There was always a big emphasis placed on the importance of our strong family ties, and the sense of togetherness we all seemed to have. I had everything I needed in my small world.
As a child I remember spending much of my time playing out until dark on the estate with my few friends from school. Coming in every night with a cold runny nose and a big smile. Life was simple.
I suppose you could say I started to see my world differently after my parents divorced when I was 7 years old. I began to question life regularly, forming a strong introspective voice that to this day hasn't left my side. I developed a passion for understanding the world around me. Conspiracies, stories of the great Pyramids, the wonders of space and the possibility of alien life, and endless documentaries about nature would light a fire inside me that has only grown in warmth and size. My grandfather and I spent many afternoons and evenings watching and reading with fascination.
He has always given me the chance to explore my thoughts openly with him. He would often challenge them, and I valued his opinions, but always managed to hold my own. Something I've not been able to do with many else. Debating such big concepts and issues, at such a young and impressionable age, opened my eyes to the world around me.
My passion for understanding human nature had led me to pursue my undergraduate here at Bangor. I have a dream to follow this until I can help others make sense of the world around them and get the most out of life.
I have had the privilege of exploring all my academic curiosities. And as a person, I have overcome hardships. It's been an intense three years, and having spent my life in education; I'm not entirely sure what to expect beyond this. Many nights have been spent in distress. I have at times convinced myself of my worthlessness, and lack of ability to reach my goals. I never would have done this without the emotional support from my other half and family.
Graduation is a huge milestone in my life, and I am proud to have come this far. But I can't wait to keep going.
"Anything is possible if you've got enough nerve."
He has always given me the chance to explore my thoughts openly with him. He would often challenge them, and I valued his opinions, but always managed to hold my own. Something I've not been able to do with many else. Debating such big concepts and issues, at such a young and impressionable age, opened my eyes to the world around me.
My passion for understanding human nature had led me to pursue my undergraduate here at Bangor. I have a dream to follow this until I can help others make sense of the world around them and get the most out of life.
I have had the privilege of exploring all my academic curiosities. And as a person, I have overcome hardships. It's been an intense three years, and having spent my life in education; I'm not entirely sure what to expect beyond this. Many nights have been spent in distress. I have at times convinced myself of my worthlessness, and lack of ability to reach my goals. I never would have done this without the emotional support from my other half and family.
Graduation is a huge milestone in my life, and I am proud to have come this far. But I can't wait to keep going.
"Anything is possible if you've got enough nerve."