A Glyndwr University graduate named Student of the Year at a major awards ceremony has returned to study - to learn how teach others.
Paul Jauncey graduated with first class honours from Wrexham Glyndwr University’s complementary therapy course in November.
Shortly afterwards, he was a guest at the Federation of Holistic Therapists’ 2018 FHT Excellence Awards, where he was one of two people from across the UK shortlisted for the Student of the Year award.
He said: “They had narrowed it down to the two of us, but on the day itself I didn’t actually know until they had announced it! The presenter of the awards was Janey Lee Grace off Radio Two, and it was quite an experience to hear her reading out my story.”
Paul, from Southsea, was selected to win the award after judges heard the inspirational story of how he came to be a mature student at Glyndwr. Formerly a welder, Paul found himself in pain for several months after he injured his back in a freak accident when he was getting out of a car.
Eventually, he discovered complementary therapies helped with the pain - so much so that, when he recovered, he decided to retrain as a complementary therapist himself to help others.
Now, he has worked as a massage therapist in clinics in both Wrexham and Nantwich - and has also returned to Glyndwr as a postgraduate student, where he is currently working towards his postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) - so he can learn how to teach others and pass on his skills.
Paul added: “Getting the recognition from the Federation of Holistic Therapists was huge – it has absolutely inspired me to keep on with what I’m doing.
“That means getting my PGCE - I want to start teaching what I have learnt to others.
“I’m already doing a lot of teaching hours – including right here at the complementary therapy clinic on campus.
“Maybe next time I’ll be nominated for Tutor of the Year!”
Christopher Byrne, president of the FHT, added: ‘The FHT Excellence Awards are designed to recognise individuals who are excelling in therapy practice and education and are an inspiration to others.
“Winners like Paul should be exceptionally proud to be selected from a pool of high- calibre peers, in awards that are recognised across the industry. Well done.’ Complementary therapy lecturer Gemma Jones said: “Paul was an outstanding student and it’s no surprise his achievements have been recognised with this award.
“His story just goes to show that it’s never too late to make that change - and everyone here is delighted for him. It’s great that not only was he able to change his career thanks to his studies, but also that he’s now looking at passing his knowledge on to others.”
Watch: Glyndwr University campus tour
For former students considering postgraduate study, Wrexham Glyndwr University is currently offering a scholarship for alumni - with savings on Postgraduate degrees for former students.
For those alumni who undertake a full or part-time postgraduate taught degree programme at Wrexham Glyndwr University, there is a 20 per cent discount for those with a 2:2 degree or above.
For more information on the scholarship, please click here.
Wrexham Glyndwr’s next postgraduate evening is this Wednesday, February 6.
The event runs between 4.30-6.30pm and offers the chance to talk to academics across the subject areas the university offers, as well as to get advice from supports services such as funding and inclusion. To book your place, click here.
