Aerospace student overcomes challenges to secure university place

An Aerospace Engineering student from Solihull College & University Centre has overcome mental health challenges to receive offers from a range of top universities.

Initially attending his school's Sixth Form to study Maths, Physics, and Business A-Levels, Aaron Dyson (pictured), 22, left after a year as he felt the environment wasn 't the right fit for him.

A little unsure of what to do next, but wanting to combine his interest in maths, science, and aeroplanes, he chose to come to the College to study Aerospace Engineering.

Aaron said: “I thought I 'd give it a go and see where it takes me and I 'm happy with the decision I made.

“The support from the College has been great and I 've received a lot of help with assignments and had counselling here.

“The flight simulators they have at the College are fantastic and have opened many routes for me and I get to work with maths and science so I 'm happy. ”

Aaron is open about his Mental Health struggles and talks about the break he had to take from College in 2018: “I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at 15 and in 2018 I needed to stay at home and look after my nan who has been by herself since my grandad passed away in 2014 and also focus on my mental health. ”

Now in his final year at the College, Aaron has had a fulfilling time.

Involved in scouting since the age of 10, Aaron is also a Unit Leader with the Explorers which he attends every week.

After being introduced to Digital Innovators in a tutorial lesson by tutor Hayley Ridewood, the indefatigable student became a Project Intern with them and is currently working on how to improve the comfortability of the HS2 train stations.

Explaining his unrelenting dedication to a range of activities, Aaron explains: “I like being involved in projects and expressing my teamwork and leadership skills - they develop one 's inert skills and I always want to be the best that I can be and develop my hidden skills. I 'm also involved in lots of sports and use any excuse to spend time with friends. ”

Excited to move away and start afresh, studying a bachelor 's degree in Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University, Aaron said: “I think it will be good for me to move away from home and be able to build new networks. I 'm excited to become the person I want to be. ”