David Russell

David is an engineering graduate of LJMU who now works in the research and technology sector. Like many fellow students, David’s journey to university didn’t quite go to plan after he received lower than expected A-level results. But it’s this adversity that set him on a new path through university, and one that he’s grateful for, as he adapted and embraced everything student life has to offer.

David features in our ‘Humans of LJMU’ series in collaboration with the ‘Humans of Liverpool’ social media account, sharing the stories of the people who make our city, communities and university the vibrant, inclusive place it is in celebration of our bicentenary year.

David’s ‘Humans of LJMU’ interview

“I felt like I’d be left behind by my peers. I underperformed in my A-Levels. I was originally offered a four-year master’s degree course with a year in industry but had to be bumped down to a foundation year and then a three-year degree. I was really disheartened and disappointed in myself – knowing that I’d have to redo some of the same work I’d been doing for two years during sixth form.

“I quickly learned to adapt and enjoyed all the positives that uni had to offer over sixth form. I enjoyed the freedom that it gave me - not having to be tied down in school time and being able to work independently. A lot of work was coursework-based, which is invaluable for someone like me who is dyslexic. I could spend a lot more time going over my work and making sure it was what I wanted to say.

“With that freedom also came a lot of time to enjoy university life outside the lecture hall. I joined three societies before I graduated: Rugby League, American Football, and the Christian Union. All three honestly have helped to shape me into a better, more rounded person, meeting so many new friends - and they were just incredibly fun to be part of.

“Like most recent graduates, I did have to endure doing my degree during a global pandemic. Having to do my final year of bachelor's during a national lockdown was obviously not what I expected when I first started. It was a challenge, but luckily, the staff and, in particular, my dissertation advisor were able to help me out, and in the end, I achieved a first in my dissertation. Because of that, I was able to change my course from just a bachelor's to the master’s degree that I had originally been conditionally accepted for.

“I felt incredibly proud to progress from failing my A-Levels to being the first in my family to study for a master’s degree. It proved to me and others that I could get my head down and turn things around. I graduated with a 2:1 master’s in engineering, and I was able to secure a graduate job at a national leader in research and technology.

“I pinch myself that I am now in a job that I would never have got had I not been given the opportunity to study at LJMU despite my grades. I still vividly remember results day in 2017, feeling like it was the end of the world. I never thought I would be here in this position today.”