A Moray graduate who overcame dyslexia to become a straight A student has become the first in his family to be awarded a university degree.
David Smith, from Buckie, received a first-class honours degree in accounting and finance during a graduation ceremony at Aberdeen University’s Elphinstone Hall yesterday morning.
The 24-year-old put his success down to hard work and inspirational teachers.
He said dyslexia had always made school a struggle and had led to him dropping out of college.
He said: “Looking back to four years ago, I did not see this coming.
“I dropped out of college so I thought first-class honours an impossible goal to reach.”
But after deciding to make a go of his course, David started putting in six hours of studies a day and soon turned his results around.
“In my third year, I got straight As for the first time in my life” he said.
David also praised lecturers Laura McCann and Lindsay Tibbetts who he said he been “absolutely brilliant”.
He added: “They have been great lecturers and have really been there for me.
“When Lindsay Tibbetts told me she thought I was capable of being a first-class student, I said ‘not a chance’, yet here I am.
“I have had such an amazing time at university and I have met some of the best friends from all over the world.
“It has been the best four years of my life.”
David also received five awards during his time at university, including best honours student during his final year and most promising student in his second year.
Proud parents David and Allison Smith were there yesterday to share in their son’s success.
Now the new graduate is looking forward to moving back to Buckie where he will take up a new job with investment firm Valu-Trac, at Orton.
