Billy Lovelock

A Bangor University graduate goes back to school this September to fulfil his childhood ambition of being a teacher.

billy Billy James Lovelock, 21, from Tiptree, Colchester graduates from Bangor University this week with a BSc Design & Technology degree leading to Qualified Teacher Status.

The former Oaks Park High School and Thurstable Sixth Form pupil, said:

"It only felt like last week when I joined the university, but three years have passed, and I've also finished my teacher training too. I’m glad I'm graduating so that I can get into my new school and start work, however, I'm also sad it's over. No more being a student will take some time to get used to!

"I'm the eldest child in my family, and also the first to go to university, which was a learning curve for the whole family. I've always enjoyed working with others, since a child. In summer 2009, I worked at a Kenyan orphanage, where I helped children with their homework, gave them company and played many sports. This is when I knew teaching was the right thing for me.

"Bangor University was a new and different experience for me; this is where I made myself an active member on my course, as well as an active member in the social environment.

"I grew up in the suburbs of London, where I enjoyed my childhood and school life. However, when deciding on coming to university there was only six places that did my course, five of which were in major busy cities. I wanted to something different, I wanted something that was busy enough to keep with the city life style, but at the same time, something that had many outdoor activities – Bangor was the place for me.

"Whilst I was on teaching practice at Ysgol Friars, Bangor, I worked closely with their Formula 1 in Schools team - "Team Fast Lane". They designed and made a miniature Formula 1 car, and sent it flying down a 20m track. They also had to have a design portfolio to accompany the car, a pit display of their work; and they also had to give a verbal and visual presentation to a panel of judges.

"Team Fast Lane, not only became north Wales champions of the Competition, but Welsh Champions! They're now preparing to go to the World Finals in Abu Dhabi! They are an amazing team, who as individuals will go far in life, and as a team can become world champions – I have every faith in them!

"The highlight of my time at Bangor University, has to be, with no hesitation my friends, the people I have met whilst at University have made my time there, brilliant, fun and supportive – I couldn’t have done without them, and the great thing is we can always meet up, my group of friends are great, and we all have that one thing in common: Bangor!

"In September, I start my new job, at a school that's fairly local to me. It's a Design & Technology Academy, where the staff and pupils are friendly and very welcoming, I cannot wait, I'm planning my lessons over the. summer."

Watch Billy's video on BangorTV