May 14, 2025
Academic Life
Academic | Performer | Musician | Public Speaker | War Veteran
Not The Best Start
My education didn’t get off to the best start. Shortly before my 15th birthday, I decided to join the Royal Marines. At school, I was placed in the “in-betweeners” set—students who were entered for their CSEs, with the possibility of being considered for their O levels at the discretion of their teachers. Since I already had a joining date for the Royal Marines, I made little effort in most subjects—except geography. In my young mind, it made perfect sense: if I was going to be a Royal Marine, I’d need to know how to read a map.
Through public speaking, I inspire audiences with a powerful, humble, and humorous approach. As a proud war veteran, I embody courage, determination, humour and unselfishness in everything I do.
Just 1 GCSE
I left school with just one Grade 1 CSE in geography, which, at the time, was equivalent to an O level. The rest were Grade 2s, apart from physics, which I received a Grade 3 in. I never understood physics—and still don’t.
While still serving in the Royal Marines, I realised I needed O level English and Maths to be eligible for promotion. So, in my early twenties, I studied and passed both. After 15 years of being away from home, spending my downtime reading—often mediocre—books and watching reruns of equally forgettable films, I began looking for a more meaningful way to use my time while deployed.
Just 1 GCSE
I left school with just one Grade 1 CSE in geography, which, at the time, was equivalent to an O level. The rest were Grade 2s, apart from physics, which I received a Grade 3 in. I never understood physics—and still don’t.
While still serving in the Royal Marines, I realised I needed O level English and Maths to be eligible for promotion. So, in my early twenties, I studied and passed both. After 15 years of being away from home, spending my downtime reading—often mediocre—books and watching reruns of equally forgettable films, I began looking for a more meaningful way to use my time while deployed.
Just 1 GCSE
I left school with just one Grade 1 CSE in geography, which, at the time, was equivalent to an O level. The rest were Grade 2s, apart from physics, which I received a Grade 3 in. I never understood physics—and still don’t.
While still serving in the Royal Marines, I realised I needed O level English and Maths to be eligible for promotion. So, in my early twenties, I studied and passed both. After 15 years of being away from home, spending my downtime reading—often mediocre—books and watching reruns of equally forgettable films, I began looking for a more meaningful way to use my time while deployed.
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025