Ross Dunstan
Ross left school disaffected and with minimal qualifications. He went on what he calls “a bit of a bender” and got into trouble with the police. Following one of his court appearances he decided to turn his life around.
“I enrolled on a Financial Advice course at my local college”, Ross explained, “But I failed and gave up. A year later I enrolled on a Counselling course, passed it and enjoyed it so much that I gained confidence in myself.”
After completing the Certificate in Counselling Studies, Ross was disappointed not to gain a place on the diploma in 2002 – but he studied Psychology and Sociology, and did voluntary work with the Youth Service.
The following year, he was offered a place on the Diploma in Counselling Skills course and in 2006 became one of the youngest qualified counsellors in Cornwall. Throughout his studies, Ross supported his family through working full-time, for up to six days a week, at a meat factory and a food processing factory.
Ross then enrolled on the BA (Hons) Counselling Studies course and has achieved his dream, being employed as a Rehabilitation Therapist, working with people who have addiction problems.
He says, “Through learning I have picked myself up from rock bottom to the dizzy heights of degree level, resulting in full-time employment in something that I thoroughly enjoy. Without the opportunities to learn that I had, I hate to think where I would be now”.