Harry Bentley, 23, from Bury St Edmunds has just completed a degree in Early Childhood Studies. The keen sportsman has also just returned to the UK after spending time coaching football in America.
Harry said: “I chose University Studies at West Suffolk College because I wanted to stay local – and they have got a really good set up in Bury and the support you get is great.
“Talking to my mates who went to university (away from Bury), they always said it’s so hard getting in touch with your tutor. But for us, whenever you wanted help, you got it. My teachers made it easy.
“As part of the degree you have to do a certain amount of work experience – however because of my work (coaching football with young people), this covered the requirements of the course.
“Looking back now on the degree, I think it’s a good course to do – it’s very broad and it covers everything. It wasn’t easy – but it was very well directed – and I had a very good experience.
“When I finished, I travelled to America this summer and worked at various summer camps. I trained youngsters all morning – then in the afternoon you would play games in a mini World Cup. We also ran skills competitions. I went to Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Michigan and we did get to do other things after work like water skiing. I was representing a company called Ongoal and they looked after us. We got free accommodation and food.
“In terms of what is next, I want to do become a teacher. So, I will work in a school, get my teaching qualification and earn a salary. That is the plan.
“My ultimate dream is to become a coach at Nottingham Forest – the team I support. I’d love that.”
Harry got a first-class honours degree and was at the ceremony with his family.
His mum Sarah said, “Harry was written off at school and now he has proved everyone wrong. I never thought he would get a first. It’s amazing.”
