![\"Ashleigh](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wames.org.uk\/cms-english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Ashleigh-Johnstone.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAshleigh Johnstone from Douglas on the Isle of Man has battled Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since high school and her health issues meant that she struggled with her GCSE and A Level exams. But despite setbacks, Ashleigh aspired to study at university.<\/p>\n
Ashleigh said, \u201cI have always loved education and looked to the next step\u00a0 – in high school I was very excited to move to university.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, my plans hit a bit of a snag when I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This severely impacted on my education, as there were many days where I could barely get out of bed. Luckily, my school – St Ninian\u2019s High School – was supportive and they helped facilitate a plan for me to be able to complete my English and Maths GCSEs through online learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt A Level they again allowed me to do what I was able to at the time. My health had started to improve and I was able to start considering university, which is something I was worried I would have to miss out on.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mum took me along to the Higher Education Fair on the Isle of Man and I spoke to a representative from Bangor University who explained that they would still consider my application, despite only having two A Levels\u00a0 – and now here I am graduating!\u201d<\/p>\n
Once Ashleigh began studying her degree in Psychology with Neuropsychology, she wasted no time in getting involved in activities within the School of Psychology, serving as a Course Representative, Mentor, Open Day Guide and Email buddy. She also travelled to Krakow and Auschwitz in Poland on a field trip in her second year.<\/p>\n
Ashleigh explained, \u201cI have genuinely loved my three years at Bangor and have tried to make the most of my time here. At some points throughout my degree I struggled with my health \u2013 with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you can have periods where you feel great, and then you can start to relapse again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter a few months at university I really started to struggle and considered dropping out because of my health. However, the Disability Services and my tutors were wonderful and have always been very understanding.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very exciting to be graduating. There were a few occasions where I didn\u2019t think I would make it to graduation, however the staff in the School of Psychology were all so supportive that I kept pushing through.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is also slightly bittersweet; I\u2019m going to miss all of my friends who are leaving Bangor, but I\u2019ve got a Masters and PhD waiting for me in September so I\u2019m looking forward to starting that.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the summer between second and third year Ashleigh took part in a summer research internship in the psychology department, which she believes helped pave the way for her to pursue a postgraduate degree.<\/p>\n
\u201cI learnt so much about psychological research during those two months, and I believe the experience really helped with my postgraduate applications,\u201d said Ashleigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been offered a fully funded Masters and PhD at Bangor that I\u2019ll be starting in September. It\u2019s a really exciting project, and it means I get to stay at the university!<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so grateful for all the opportunities Bangor has given me, and I\u2019m looking forward to the next four years!\u201d<\/p>\n
First Class student overcomes health problems to graduate<\/a>, Bangor University website,\u00a013 July 2015 [includes video of Ashleigh]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Article from Bangor University website: A Psychology student who credits Bangor University for \u2018taking a chance\u2019 on her has graduated with a First Class Honours degree. Ashleigh Johnstone from Douglas on the Isle of Man has battled Chronic Fatigue Syndrome … Continue reading