Jake was first involved with First Campus when he attended a Murder Mystery event organised by Hands on Science.  The event centred around a crime scene, and pupils had to identify vital evidence to make sense of what had happened.  Jake enjoyed the day and began to think about his future – with Forensics he had found a subject that really interested him and he now had an ambition that he could work towards. 

During his final year at Willows High School, Jake had a First Campus mentor to support him.  Jake’s mentor was from University of Wales Institute Cardiff and she helped to support him with his GCSE revision and exam preparation.   First Campus mentoring schemes have been running for many years, and the scheme trains university students to offer extra support and encouragement to school students.  

Jake also attended a First Campus residential event.  This involved a two night stay on a university campus and a series of lectures and workshops designed to give participants experience of student life.   Jake said ‘This was a really good experience that helped to reinforce what I was working towards.  We all had a lot of fun and I decided that University was something I wanted to experience for myself’.

During this time, Jake did his own research on the internet using careers websites, and found a way of combining his two great interests; computing and forensics.  He applied for courses in Computer Forensics and attended an applicant day at the University of Glamorgan. 

Jake has just joined the first year of BSc Computer Forensics at Glamorgan.  Jake found the transition from college to university easier to cope with than the change from school to college and after a hectic first week finding his way around, he has settled in well. 

Kathryn Maddy, First Campus Manager, said ‘Its great to see a student make the transition that Jake has made, and its very rewarding to know that First Campus have helped Jake on his journey.  He has been very focused and determined and I am sure he has a great future career ahead of him.’