I walked into Brampton having pretty much given up on being a vet. I had wanted to be one my whole life, doing all the required work experience and extra curricular activities, but when I didn’t get the grades I needed in July I decided I should probably apply to do something else.

I went for a meeting with the head of biology and he told me I was being ridiculous. What was the point of applying to do something you didn’t want to do and that I shouldn’t give up on my dream. I was advised to retake 2 of my A-levels in the January and to write a new personal statement. In those 3 months I was not only taught chemistry and physics, but a whole new way of learning. The teachers at Brampton are the most inspirational teachers I have ever experienced, they taught me so that I understood my subjects and were able to help me enjoy learning. It was a tough 3 months, but as soon as I found anything difficult or there was something I didn’t understand there was someone who would talk me through it. I was offered a place at the University of Glasgow vet school after getting 2 A grades in the January. I am now in my second year and love every second of it. There is a lot of work, but using the techniques, organisational skills and positive attitude towards work learnt at Brampton I was able to pass my first year at high grade. Lots of opportunities are now open to me e.g. last summer I spent 10 weeks on a ranch in Argentina working alongside the local gauchos and learning the techniques they use in horse handling. I went with no previous horse riding skills and little ability to speak Spanish, but came back almost fluent in both. The main thing I learnt from Brampton is that with enough determination you can achieve anything. I am very grateful for all the hard work and time they all put into helping me achieve my goal.