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Fraser - Access to Humanities - Degree in Sports Science - Leisure Centre Manager

"Looking back I really messed about at school. None of my friends were that interested in school and I was more interested in playing football and going out with my friends. The school did try to get me to think about the future but I could not wait to leave. I liked the thought of earning money and being an adult. No one talked about University and while a few of my friends went to College I was not really interested in what they were doing.

I had always dreamt about being a professional football player but it had never really happened for me. I was working in the local leisure centre which was something I wanted to do but I was feeling frustrated with my job. It was during a staff review that my boss asked me if I had ever thought about getting any qualifications. I laughed at the time but remembered that my mum had picked up a leaflet at the centre where she went to her exercise class. I thought about it for a while and phoned the number on the leaflet and the women who I spoke to was really helpful. She sent information and I then spoke to the College about what I was interested in. To be honest I could not really understand why studying Access to Humanities would mean I could go on to University. I did not really believe it but had my mind focussed on studying sports science like one of my bosses.

I thought it was funny that I was not really doing any sports but I received plenty of encouragement from my tutors. When I saw the facilities at the University on an open day I was amazed. I was really determined to succeed with the course. I did find the studying hard. I liked some of the subjects and used to enjoy listening to others talking and arguing. I did enough to get through. What I really enjoyed was talking about getting ready for the next step and also being treated like an adult.

I went on to study sports science. It was different from what I thought. A lot of the younger students thought it was going to be about playing sports. The subjects on the Access course helped with the theory subjects I studied at University so I felt more prepared. I worked part-time in the leisure centre but also had time to take part in a lot of the student groups at University. The people were great and not at all stuck up like what I thought they would be.

My own experience in the leisure centre helped me as I was able to think about applying my new skills to what I had carried out in the past. I began to notice improvements I could make and had the confidence to make some suggestions.

My mum was really proud of me when I graduated. She had kept the form and gave it to me. We had a big party afterwards. I still work in the leisure centre but I am now the one wearing a suit. I do a lot of voluntary work with the young kids. I tell them about my own experiences and try and encourage them to get as much out of education as they possibly can."