Courses studied: Foundation to Further Education, Politics, English Social History and other short courses
Year: 1995
“DO IT – you will never regret it.”
In 1995, Simon Potter decided that the time was right to pursue his ambition of going to university as a mature student.
After looking at his options, Fircroft stood out as the best choice.
The location, results and recommendations all played a part in Simon’s decision, while the subjects he chose reflected interests he had always enjoyed.
A Year to Remember
Simon studied a range of subjects at Fircroft, including Politics and English Social History, alongside other courses.
But his experience was about much more than academic study.
Fircroft helped Simon become more comfortable meeting new people, talking to strangers and speaking in public. The supportive environment gave him the confidence to express himself and engage with others.
“Made me more comfortable in meeting strangers and talking to them as well as talking in public.”
For Simon, it was the whole Fircroft experience that made the year special.
“Everything… The people, the lecturers, ALL the household staff, the building and gardens. The all-around vibe of the place – just a wonderful place to be.”
The Fircroft Experience
Looking back, Simon remembers his time at Fircroft as one of the best years of his life.
The people, staff, lecturers, gardens and atmosphere all contributed to an experience that he still values decades later.
Most importantly, Fircroft helped Simon achieve an ambition he may otherwise never have fulfilled: going to university as a mature student.
“Definitely would not have experienced one of the best years of my life! Certainly wouldn’t have gone to Uni and fulfilled that ambition.”
From Fircroft to University
After leaving Fircroft, Simon went on to Coventry University, where he studied Third World Development and graduated with a 2:2 Honours degree.
His original intention was to pursue a career in the Civil Service.
But life had other plans.
While waiting for interviews and his results, Simon took a part-time job that was only supposed to last nine weeks.
During those nine weeks, he met his future wife.
Twenty-seven years later, Simon is still in that “temporary” job, working in the production of cakes and desserts. He and his wife have since had two children.
Sometimes, the future doesn’t turn out quite as expected – but it can still turn out brilliantly.
Simon’s Advice to Future Students
His advice to anyone considering studying at Fircroft is wonderfully straightforward:
“DO IT – you will never regret it.”
For Simon, taking that opportunity opened the door to university, gave him one of the best years of his life and set him on a path that ultimately led to a career, a family and a life he could never have predicted.
And sometimes, that’s where the best stories begin.
