Maturestudentprofile
Robert Edwards joined the Access to Higher Education (Humanities and Social Sciences) course at West Suffolk College at the age of 53, having enjoyed a varied career including construction work in South Africa, pipefitting and horticulture.
“I was becoming bored,” he said. “I used to move around a lot. Now I am settled in this little town with my wife and family. It has been 18 years since I had any kind of adventure.
“For me, the Access course is an adventure without leaving home. I have always loved English and History, and I am going on to do a degree. My daughter has just finished an English degree, and I encouraged her all the way.”
Robert has been accepted on to the BA (Hons) English and History programme at UCS Bury St Edmunds, starting in September.
Robert’s wife and three daughters are not surprised he has embarked on the Access course. “My wife has always said I should do something academic,” said Robert. “They are very happy about it.”
His tutor Radojka Startup says: “Robert is a dedicated returnee to education; his passion and excitement for study is palpable. Personal engagement is a hallmark of his written work. Full of intellectual curiosity, he is an extremely positive presence in the classroom.”