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Fastrack has helped Rob transform his life

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After a turbulent upbringing, dedicated Fastrack graduate Rob has turned his life around and hopes to help others who are suffering the way he did.

Rob Cumine, age 38 from Bebington on the Wirral, didn’t have the greatest start life, but Edge Hill’s Fastrack course has given him the confidence and belief that he can succeed and help make a difference to other people’s lives.

“My birth mother abused me and I was placed in care,” said Rob. “I was adopted and then my adopted mum became really ill suffering two strokes and my dad left. I became my mum’s sole carer at the age of eight. I passed my 11+ exams but the pressures at home really got to me as a teenager and I eventually rebelled. I ended up spending nearly five years of my life in prison.

“I left prison aged 22 for the last time, but the stigma attached to ex-prisoners was still there. I struggled to find work and just took any job I could find. I felt like I’d failed and let everyone down. I developed an anxiety disorder and panic disorder due to the depression I felt.”

Rob was studying Psychology at Wirral Metropolitan College on an access course when he found out about the Fastrack course at Edge Hill. After attending an open evening, he met Linda McIver from the University’s Psychology department who offered him a place straight away.

“I made a decision two years ago that I want to make a difference,” said Rob. “I want to help others that are suffering the way I was. Intellectually I never struggled, but I lacked belief in myself.

“However now, with the support the tutors at Edge Hill have given me and my determination to prove to myself what I can do, I feel inspired to achieve my goals.

“The Fastrack course has been fantastic and I have enjoyed every minute at Edge hill thus far. It was hard but worth it, and the all of the staff have been so friendly, understanding and supportive.”

Rob has also been awarded a Fastrack scholarship for overcoming the odds and showing real determination to succeed.

Rob’s subject tutor Linda MacIver said:

“It’s always an enjoyable experience teaching on the Psychology Fastrack programme. The course attracts a diverse range of students who have chosen to embark on an academic career for a variety of reasons. This year the story of Robert Cumine was particularly inspirational.  Rob’s positive attitude and his determination to succeed were admirable.  He proved to be a valuable and hardworking member of the cohort from the beginning, demonstrating commitment, enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn throughout the course.   It was a pleasure getting to know Rob and I wish him every success with his future studies.”

In spite of the challenges he has faced, Rob still has big plans for the future, and will embark on a Psychology degree in September with the aim of researching and writing in the future.

“I’m here for the long run. My goal is a first class honours degree, then a Masters and finally a PhD.”

For more information about Edge Hill’s Fastrack programme visit: www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/story/fastrack-to-a-bright-future

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