History trio show there are no obstacles to learning

Three Teesside graduates have shown there are no barriers to study.

Ben Roberts and Martin Long successfully overcame obstacles to their learning, while Pam Slater proved that age is no hindrance when it comes to returning to education.

All three have now graduated with a BA (Hons) History degree.

When Ben, 25, of Middlesbrough, was a teenager having home tuition, he never imagined he would go to university. But Ben, who was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome when he was 12, has gone on to achieve a first class degree and is also in the running for a national award in recognition of his work.

Ben studied leisure and tourism at college and worked as a travel agent for three years, but decided he wanted to return to education.

He said: ‘When I was having home tuition I never thought that I would ever go to university. Going to college was an achievement in itself, but while working as a travel agent I felt like I wasn’t stretching myself.’

Continuing studies Ben, who is continuing his studies with a MA History at Teesside, said: ‘Over the years I’ve witnessed the University get bigger and become an important part of the town and much more forward thinking. I’m proud to say that I have been a part of it.’

He will learn in the New Year whether he has also won a national award, the Royal Historical Society/History Today Prize for best undergraduate history dissertation in a UK higher education institution.

Meanwhile Martin, 23, of Redcar, who has co-ordination disability dyspraxia, was equally determined to achieve his degree.

He said: ‘Dyspraxia can affect concentration and I did struggle during my second year, but the support offered to students in general at Teesside is great. There’s a lot of support offered to students with disabilities too and that help is vital.

Support for students with disabilities ‘I decided to study at Teesside after going to a few open days. I was really impressed by the campus. During my studies I found the Learning Resource Centre to be really good and the University has a great Students’ Union too,’ added Martin.

Pam, 71, of Long Newton, started her degree part-time around eight years ago after moving to the region from Cheltenham.

The retired civil servant and Middlesbrough Football Club season ticket holder is originally from Halifax, but her father was born in West Hartlepool. She said: ‘I was heading towards university when I was 16, but I didn’t go as my father became ill. When I collected my certificate at the graduation ceremony I felt like it had come 50 years late. It’s a great sense of achievement.’

Pam added: ‘The degree led from my interest in local history and I started with a few modules for enjoyment and it grew from there. There were a few other mature students and I’ve made many friends. The tutors were very supportive.’

Along with her degree Pam was the second recipient of the Brian Ward Prize. Brian graduated with a first class BA (Hons) History in 2006 and a MA in History last year at the age of 68. To celebrate his achievement Brian donated the prize in his name to a graduating History student.

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