Student life in Bangor

Ben overcomes illness to become Best Student

Ben Winterbourn A student who suffered from illness during his studies not only graduates this month, five years after starting his degree, but has also been named the Best Student within his academic school.

Ben Winterbourn, 24 from Norwich is “delighted to be graduating” with a BSc in Geography. Following his second year, Ben had an operation and was not in good health for his third year. He suspended his studies twice, but this year he completed his course and graduated this month.

Ben said, “I am very proud of my achievements, which I have accomplished with encouragement and advice from Bangor University staff and students and with the support of my family and friends at home.

“I have had the fine company of three cohorts and been taught by many inspiring lecturers. I have known the same outstanding support from peers, lecturers and staff at Student Support Services throughout.”

The School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography named Ben as its Best Student for achieving the joint highest undergraduate project mark this year.

Ben added, “I’m delighted to be graduating from this fascinating course. It has been a pleasure to study with the friends I have made and a privilege to have been taught by the excellent staff.”

Explaining why he came to Bangor, Ben said, “I chose Bangor after seeing some of the students’ projects, meeting the lecturers and because I found the landscape and range of outdoor activities available extremely attractive. The staff and students I met when visiting also made me feel very welcome.

“The highlights of my time in Bangor include the annual field trips, which are fantastic research opportunities and great social occasions, and the extremely memorable days of mountaineering which I have enjoyed with friends this winter.”

Ben was able to gain practical experience during his course as he undertook two professional placements. He said, “Placements form a core component of this course and are an excellent complement to the taught modules offered. During my degree I undertook a placement with Norfolk County Council’s Holt Hall Field Studies Centre and with the Environment Agency’s Bangor office. These placements gave me the opportunity to gain professional experience and to develop skills for employment.”

Those skills are now being put to good use as Ben is currently employed by a language school and has recently returned from work in Italy. He added, “I will continue to work as a group leader for students taking English language courses in Norwich and I am making applications for postgraduate research positions.”