Shaun’s Story
Shaun Simmonds
BA degree in Sports Journalism,
University of Brighton
Ex-Falmer High Student
Age: 20
Shaun is the first person in his family to go to university. His Dad works in the printing industry, and his Mum is a receptionist at the local doctor’s surgery. Shaun first encountered Aimhigher Sussex when he chose his options in Year 9.
Following work experience at school with the Brighton Evening Argus and Southern FM, Shaun knew that he wanted to be a journalist. Shaun wants to get paid good money for something he enjoys doing. He’s aiming for a career in sports or music journalism with Radio Five Live, NME or Four Four Two Magazine, or as a press officer for a professional football club.
Without Aimhigher, Shaun doubts whether he would have had enough confidence to tackle college. Coming from a working-class school like Falmer, it can be very strange and quite difficult to fit in when first going to a college, but the support’s there, you’ll make good friends and flourish because everybody is at college to succeed.
Shaun found Sixth Form College “really different to school, much easier to work to my potential, with less distractions”. He reckons “University is great, there are so many things going on. It’s an opportunity to meet people from further afield and to become more independent”.
