Adrian Lee

"Hi there, my name is Adrian and graduated from Bangor University in 2020 with a masters in criminology and sociology. The reader would ask what is unusual in that? Nothing, apart, from that I am in in my late 60s and lived in St Marys village. What a fantastic time I had and lovely memories of attending the University and living at St Marys.

I suppose I should go through my backstory and why I was a super mature student. The story starts in 1971 and leaving school with clutch of CSEs. I went into the motor trade as an apprentice motor mechanic. After qualifying with City and Guilds, I decided this career was not for me. I applied to be a nurse and passed the interview. However, I didn’t have an O level in English and decided to return to full time education. I embarked pursuing social science disciplines which included sociology. I enjoyed the social sciences so much that I continued onto A levels and completing a Social Science degree at Sheffield City Polytechnic, now Hallam University. I then took a year out and volunteered with the Probation Service taking on various roles.

In 1981 I pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education specialising in Social Sciences. This led me to teaching special needs for 10 years in secondary education.  I have also worked for charities that specialised in working with young offenders.  Fast forward 40 years, after retiring, I decided to embark on an MA in Criminology and Sociology. It was the best decision I have ever made especially living at St Marys so I could immerse myself into university life. Support from members of staff was fantastic. The students on the course and living in halls gave me fantastic support. The students treated me as equal even I was over twice their age! Since graduating, I have gone onto volunteer for the National Trust at Plas Newydd in various roles.

If any mature students are considering returning to university then Bangor University is the place to be, as they say it’s never too late to learn."