During my time at Movilla High School I developed an interest in engineering through the influence of my family and my own involvement with cars and motorbikes.  At the end of my secondary school education I applied for a position on the Advanced GNVQ Engineering course at Bangor campus and found myself on the waiting list for entrance onto this course due to the high number of applicants.  I wanted a place on this course very badly and basically pleaded with the course tutor to let me on.  Determination paid off and I started the course in September of the next academic year.

From that point on I never looked back, the hard working and helpful staff from the engineering department at Bangor campus guided me through the course and transferred the necessary knowledge in a very professional manner.  I finished the two year course with overall best results.  I really enjoyed my time on the advanced GNVQ engineering course and therefore decided to enrol for an HND in engineering at NDAI.  I spent a further two years at the Bangor campus and achieved fourteen units at distinction out of the sixteen units taken.  I was awarded with the Thermomax prize for overall best engineering results at the graduation ceremony. 

The knowledge I gained from my time at Bangor campus give me the confidence to pursue an honours degree in mechanical engineering.  The decision was taken to read for this degree at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown campus.  Having an HND from Bangor campus allowed me to gain entry straight into the second year of the four year degree program.  Needless to say I was a little apprehensive when I started the course with regards to my analytical skills, when compared to those students who had came through the A-level route and completed the first year of the degree.

It was at this point I realised how well my time at Bangor campus had prepared me for undertaking the honours degree in mechanical engineering course and hence professional employment.  I graduated on the 5th of July 2006 with a 1st class honours degree in mechanical engineering (only three of which were awarded) and a diploma in industrial studies, awarded with commendation.  I wish to thank all of those who have helped me during my progression through education, especially the staff at Bangor campus.  I enjoyed my time so much there that I applied for a part time lectureship in the engineering department.  I found out just recently that my application has been successful and I have been added to the part time lecturers register.  I hope I can pass on my knowledge in a likewise manner that I experienced as my time as a student.