Inspiring Example
Forty two year old Dondonald man Andrew Cooke had another reason for giving up his job in motor vehicle repair and returning to study at South Eastern Regional College (SERC). Four years ago, after a motorcycle accident Andrew discovered he had arthritis in his wrists and was subsequently forced to give up his job.
It was then that Andrew took his first tentative step back into education, signing up for a non-accredited Art course.
Upon completion of this course and with encouragement from College lecturers Neal Johnston and Carina Nicholl, Andrew joined the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at the Bangor campus of the College.
Having overcome difficulties with spelling and managing his work load he achieved a distinction in this qualification. Andrew takes up his story, “I had heard SERC had a good art department. I’d seen a programme on TV about a mature student who had studied at SERC and progressed onto University. This gave me the confidence I needed to return to full-time education.
Whilst studying the Diploma in Art and Design I also completed my Essential Skills in English, to support my application to university. All the tutors in the college were great and helped me gain confidence over the year, it was hard work but worth it.”
Andrew is currently studying for a BA Fine and Applied Art degree and has also been commissioned to do a mural in the Ballybeen Women’s Centre. Since September he has also joined the lecturing staff at SERC and is teaching ceramics and air brush art on a part-time basis.
He concluded, “A few years ago I felt I was going nowhere and my working life was over, now I am excited about the future. It is amazing how much has changed in my life in so little time. I am following the dream I had as a kid and that is all down to my decision to return to education and apply myself to my studies.”