Jez, 53, from Nottingham, is now a university lecturer and is determined to help others.
How did you do at school?
I struggled and failed my GCSEs. I didn’t have a plan, but I was motivated to find work.
I had a few jobs that weren't really going anywhere, I was even a gnome-maker for a while. I had a great time, there was great camaraderie, but there were no prospects. So I took part in a Youth Training Scheme, which was a government initiative like an apprenticeship, with Kwik Fit.
I did really well there, and gradually I worked my way up to management and recognised I could achieve things. I started to feel that I wasn't as stupid as my exam results suggested.
Where did the science fit in?
As a science-fiction fan, I loved playing video games in my spare time. After playing a game that explored the physics of space flight, I was fascinated.
I devoured popular science books I couldn't get enough of the content. It fascinated me.
I bought a small telescope, then spent evenings staring at the moon and the stars contemplating existence, the universe and what it all means.
How did you discover the Open University?
Dit verhaal komt uit de March 13, 2025 editie van Daily Mirror UK.
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Dit verhaal komt uit de March 13, 2025 editie van Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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