A big-hearted A level student wants to help people with mental health challenges after earning a place on a neuroscience degree course.
Dylann Patel, 18, of Birstall, achieved A* in Criminology, A in Psychology and a B in Biology to secure a place on the University of Nottingham’s Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience degree.
It is the next step towards Dylann’s ambition to learn how to help others who may be experiencing challenges caused by poor mental health and psychological disorders.
“I didn’t get much sleep last night thinking about these results and whether I’d get in or not, but I feel great! Awesome! I’m going to dinner and I’m going to eat my heart out. I was terrified - but I did my best,” Dylann said after seeing his results.
“My ambition is to become either a clinical psychologist or cognitive neuroscientist – I’m interested in the science and biology of the brain.
“I want to help people, the way my mum has always tried to help people. She volunteers at Childline as a counsellor supporting children and young people and serving other people is something I’ve always tried to do. I’m very proud of her and love her very much.
“Just being there for someone is massive, but being there and having the expertise to help them is even bigger.”
Dylann, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, said he couldn’t thank his tutors enough for the help and support he received during his time at Loughborough College – including those teachers who helped him improve from C grades to A*s in Biology and Criminology.
His incredible progress earned him a Student of the Year award at the college earlier this year.
He said: “My tutors have been there for me at every step – helping me understand things about myself that I didn’t previously understand, helping through some personal challenges, but also pushing me academically and showing me different ways of learning which have been so beneficial.
“They’ve been great – but that word doesn’t do them justice.
“It’s been my best educational experience so far and I’d definitely recommend it. The teaching, the support, the understanding, is all excellent. They know what they’re doing, very structured, student-focused, they are very clear.
“Importantly to me, they are very aware of mental health challenges, are very down to earth and treat you like an adult.”
Dylann added: “They don’t just focus on making you a good student, they make you a better and more mature person. I can’t thank them enough.”