University celebrates inspirational student who overcame personal challenges to become a counsellor

The University of Staffordshire is celebrating the achievements of Rory Laudanksi (pictured), who set his sights on becoming a counsellor after his own mental health challenges inspired him to help others.

He initially left school at 16 and went straight into work. But after being made redundant during the Covid pandemic, he decided to return to education and took an access course.

The father-of-two, who is neurodivergent and has a borderline personality disorder, has achieved a first-class degree in BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling from University of Staffordshire.

Rory, from Meir, said: “I didn’t begin this degree hoping to change the world.

“I began it because I wanted to understand my own world better – my thoughts, my emotions, my experiences – and to gain the tools I needed to take care of my mental health.

 “That was my motivation from day one. I wanted to be a better version of myself not only for me, but for my children.

“They didn’t just teach – they supported, encouraged, challenged, and believed in me, even at times when I didn’t believe in myself.

“This degree has taught me that growth often comes from the messiest, most overwhelming moments, and that sometimes, starting something for yourself is the most generous thing you can do for the people you love.”

At his graduation, he was joined by members of his family, including four-year-old son Archie and seven-month-old daughter Aurora.

It was the bedtime stories he told to Archie that helped to give Rory the confidence to deliver a speech in front of hundreds of guests during his ceremony.

Rory also worked as a student ambassador, helping to promote the University and the student experience at events.

He is now staying on at the University to take an MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, which will give him the accredited training he needs to become a counsellor.

He added: “I want to have my own private practice. I’ve also got ambitions to become a lecturer as I want to train the next generation of counsellors.”

Hear more from Rory on University of Staffordshire’s YouTube channel.