When recession hit the construction industry hard in 2008 - plasterer Michael Spowart took the economic downturn as a life-changing opportunity to change his career.
Today that decision is paying off as he graduates from the University of Sunderland with a First Class degree in Physiological Science, and will soon begin his PGCE, fulfilling his ambition to become a secondary school biology teacher.
Michael, from Houghton-le-Spring, joined thousands of his fellow graduates at the Stadium of Light this week, to collect his degree from the University’s Chancellor Steve Cram.
Having left school with Ds in English and Maths, the top degree grade is a huge achievement for the 41-year-old, and reward for his determination, hard work and commitment to his course.
That dedication to his studies was recognised in his final year when he was selected as a recipient of the first ever Sir Tom Cowie Memorial Scholarship Award, receiving £10,000 to support his academic studies.
The Scholarship was set up in memory of the Wearside-born entrepreneur who died in 2012andis awarded to two students born and bred in Sunderland who, at the end of their penultimate year of study have demonstrated an excellent academic record and are on track to secure a First Class Honours Degree or upper Second Class Honours Degree. Trustees were also looking for additional evidence that the student has the potential for entrepreneurial success in their chosen field following graduation.
Sir Tom was a long-term supporter of the University and believed passionately in its principles of affording those with talent, regardless of background, the opportunity to enter higher education. As part of his legacy, the Sir Tom Cowie Memorial Scholarship Awards were set up to support students within the Sciences, Education and Business and Law in helping to achieve their full potential.
Michael, from Houghton-le-Spring explained how the scholarship enabled himto continue his studies while working part-time at Durham Community Business College, teaching construction; invaluable work-based experience to help increase his chances of a teaching post once he graduates.
“Like many mature students we all have the same pressures to balance, from childcare and work to our academic studies, so this money really allowed me to achieve the best grades I could, being awarded this Scholarship took the pressure off me financially and helped so much in my final year,” he explained.
“I was overwhelmed to be selected for this award after being up against so many other excellent candidates. I hope I have proved that I was worth the selection having made a conscious effort to get that First Class qualification, which is all part of my ultimate goal to teach in a secondary school.”
Having always enjoyed supporting youngsters on work experience placements in his job, and volunteering his skills with training provider Springboard in Sunderland, inspired Michael to become a teacher.
He completed an Access to Higher Education course at Sunderland College where he developed an interest in science and began a Physiological Science degree at the University.
He said: “I feel like I have been given a second chance at Sunderland. I never tried that hard at school and had no interest in science, but now I’m hooked on the subject and really appreciate the second chance I have been given. I’ll begin studying a PGCE at Sunderland in the Autumn.”
However, Michael admits he had an anxious start when he began his degree, he says: “I remember on my first day at University thinking ‘is this right for me?’ All the younger students were teaming up, I was sitting on my own and just had a panic attack, but after going to see the lecturer, she convinced me I was in the right place and that this was the right course for me.
“I found myself still there after a couple of weeks and got to know everyone, and it was great fun. I have made lifelong friends, the lecturers were incredibly supportive and we all wished wecould do another year because everyone got on so well and helped each other.
“My advice now to anyone thinking of going back into higher education is just to go for it and don’t let it scare you!”
David Gray, FRICS, Chairman of Trustees of the Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust, said: “The scholarship is very much in the spirit of Sir Tom, his ethos of hard work from humble beginnings, and it represents our commitment to the values of the University. I am greatly impressed with Michael tenacity throughout his courses and this scholarship rewards his efforts and hard work over the course of his degree.”
Dr Judith Kuit, Programme Leader for Physiological Sciences, said: "Michael is a mature student: mature in terms of his rationale for undertaking the course; his dedication to his studies; his focus on his future career; his support of the programme. He works extremely hard and his efforts have paid off, having achieved a First for his degree, he has been a pleasure to teach.
“I am also delighted that he has received the scholarship, which was acknowledgement of his hard work and dedication."