St Andrews - no longer a pipe dream

Two years ago, I never dreamt that I would be in this position. I really didn’t. Back in May 2006 I stood up in the House of Commons and delivered a speech which outlined how I (and thousands of others) had been let down by my school, my local education authority, and the government.

Soon after, I was lucky to find out about Farleigh College, and even luckier to get a place there. With the help of Farleigh, my family and most of all Anna I have managed to achieve what many others thought I was incapable of. But many others are denied that opportunity and do not get the educational support they need. That is not right and I am determined to do everything I can to put this right.

The first miracle came when St Andrews, the 4th best university in the UK, Best in Scotland, and 3rd for psychology gave me the offer of a place. But now, after my latest set of exam results, it really look like I will be going to St Andrews.

My offer from them is AAB. I am predicted A for Psychology, probably an A for Maths, and B/C for Business Studies. Farleigh say that even if I just get AAC, or ABB, they will probably be able to brow beat them into letting me in. I shall have to wait until after my summer exams before I can be absolutely sure.

On the 25th of February, I went up to see St Andrews with my key worker from Farleigh. I got up at 3:30 in the morning, left Farleigh at 4am, and after an hour on the back roads, we arrived at Bristol Airport. I Checked in, got felt up by a scary looking man with gloves and a metal detector. Then got on a bright orange plane. I was then promptly blinded with orange inside the plane.
We flew for an hour up to Edinbrough Airport, then an hour long bus trip to the Edinburgh Waverley train station – standing for most of it. Then we boarded a train to Leuchars – another hours journey or so. We were greeted at Leuchars by the deafening sound of 2 harrier jump jets flying about a foot above our heads. A short bus ride later, and I was there. I was at St Andrews. It was mid day and we’d been travelling for 8 hours!

It was a hard day, and we only had 4 or 5 hours there before we had to head back to Farleigh. But it was worth it as I needed some important questions answered.

I now know what I want to do. Before then, I thought St Andrews would be good, but could it give me the experience I need to qualify for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program (preferably Oxford)? Could they give me the support I need? Could their reputation deliver? Would the problems of living so far away for 4 years be outweighed by the benefits of being a student here?

Yes, Yes, Yes, YES were the answers I received. I went, a saw the town for a few hours, and fell in love with it. I was given a talk by a lecturer, and realised it was for me. I had a 1 to 1 talk with a psychology lecturer, and now I know, that it is where I am meant to be. I know that St Andrews is the best place that will give me the skills and the qualifications I need to help people. But the best thing is the hospital. St Andrews has links with a local hospital, and they can arrange for Psychology students to gain experience there – which is something I am keen to do.

I know it will be hard. I know it will mean an isolated existence. But for the possibilities it opens up, and for the experience it will give me, it will be worth it, and I cannot wait.

Joshua Muggleton, prospective BSc(St And)(Psych)