David’s success after being sussed out

David Kemp would be the first to agree with the controversial adage that behind every successful man is a good woman. And in David’s case that’s his wife Sue. For without her encouragement David is the first to admit that he would not have stepped on to the education ladder.

David, 42, left school when he was 16 and despite taking numerous training and education courses he never actually sat any of the exams associated with the courses. “I am dyslexic and have a phobia about exams. I just feigned disinterest in the course when it came to exam time and didn’t bother attending,” said David.

It wasn’t until he met his wife Sue that David acknowledged his dyslexia; he had always managed to hide his condition.

David said: “I was pleased really that Sue sussed me out. She encouraged me to get properly assessed and diagnosed. I had actually applied to go to Teesside when I was 25 but didn’t tell them I was dyslexic so I wasn’t successful with my application. With Sue supporting me I got fixed up with an interview for the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing and told the lecturer about my dyslexia. I was given an educational psychologist’s assessment, which confirmed the extent of my dyslexia.

“I’ve found that I have to study three hours before an exam to actually remember a subject and relay the information. I have an amanuensis for my exams because I can’t write quickly and accurately enough.”

In spite of David’s dyslexia he has managed to progress from the HNC right through to the degree in Computing and is set to start his final year this September. Only this time he’ll find himself in the company of his wife Sue and stepdaughter Ellie. For Sue, a counsellor and voluntary special needs worker has enrolled on the part-time BSc (Hons) Psychology/Criminology, while daughter Ellie 19 will start the BA (Hons) Human Resources Management degree this September.

Sue said: “As soon as David was able to acknowledge his dyslexia there was no stopping him. I knew he was capable, he just needed the encouragement. It’s going to be hectic in our house this September when we all begin a new study year.”

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